N A S A TECHNICAL NOTE -

TN D-6720

LOAN COPY: RE
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KIRTLAND AF

APOLLO EXPERIENCE REPORT -

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS TESTPROGRAM
ACCOMPLISHMENTS A N D RESULTS

by Thomas E. Ohnesorge
..
Manned SpacecrufiCenter
Hozlston, Texas 77058
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.L.' ...
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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS A N D SPACE ADMINISTRATION WASHINGTON, O: c. :--MARCH ~e,n

, 8
 TECH LIBRARY KAFB, NU

0333390
". . - . . .. .
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1.ReportNo. Government
2. Accession No. 3. Recipient's Catalog No.

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NASA TN 0-6720 -~
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A Titla and Subtitle 5. Report Date
APOLLO FXPERIENCE RFFORT
ELFCTRONIC S Y S " S TEST PROGRAM
.~
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- .- .... .. . ..
~
~
AND RESULTS
7. Author(s) 8. Performing Organization Report No.

Thomas E. Ohnesorge, MSC MSC S-283

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10. Work UnitNo.
9. Performing Organization Name and Address 914-13-00-00-72
Manned Spacecraft Center 11.ContractorGrant No.
Houston,Texas 77058
I

" .
Agency
12. Sponsoring AddressName and

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

" 13. Type ofReportand
Note
Technical
Pwiod Covered

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Washington, D.C. 20546
15. %-pplementary Notes
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I
1
14. SponsoringAgencyCode

The MSC Director waived the use of the International %Stem Of Units (a) for
this Apollo Experience Report, because, in his judgment, use of SI Units would impair the usefulness
of the report or result in excessive cost.
-- ." . - - ~i

16. Abstract
This document presents a chronological record of the Electronic Systems Test Program from its
conception in May 1963 to December 1969. The original concept of t h e program, which was pri-
marily a spacecraft/Manned Space Flight Network communications system compatibility and per-
formance evaluation, is described. The evolution of these concepts to include various levels of
test detail, as well as systems-level design verification testing, is discussed. Actual implemen-
tation of these concepts is presented, and the facility to support the program is described. Test
r e s u l t s are given, and significant contributions to the lunar landing mission are underlined. Plans
for modifying the facility and the concepts, based on Apollo experience, are proposed.

Apollo Telemetry
. Communications System Ranging
Systems Test
* ' Command
Command Module
* Television
Module
Lunar ' Voice
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19. Security Classif. (of this report1 20. Security Classif. (of this page) -1 21. NO. of Pages I 22. Price*

None
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I None
"
75 I $3.00
F o r sale by the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, Virginia 22151
 " ~~

CONTENTS

Section Page
SUMMARY ..................................... 1
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Background and Purpose of This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

History of the Test P r o g r a m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

PROGRAM CONCEPTS AND DEVELOPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

TEST ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Major Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SpecialTests .................................. 25
SupportTests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
SIGNIFICANT RESULTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Command and Service Module Block I-E Test (A-1) Results . . . . . . . . . 46

Command and Service Module Block 11 (Simulated) Test (A-2) Results . . . . 46

Saturn IVB CCS T e s t (A-3) Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Command and Service Module Block I-D Test (A-4) Results . . . . . . . . . 47

Command and Service Module Block I1 G r o s s T e s t (A-5) Results . . . . . . . 47

Lunar Module Gross Test (A-6) Results .................... 47

Apollo Lutlar Surface Experiments Package Gross Test (A-7) Results .... 48

Apollo Communications System Phase I T e s t (A-8) Results . . . . . . . . . . 48

Apollo Communications System Phase I1 T e s t (A-9) Results . . . . . . . . . 48

Apollo Range Instrumentation Aircraft Test (A-10) Results . . . . . . . . . . 48

Apollo Communications System Phase 111 T e s t (A-11) Results . . . . . . . . 49

Additional S-Band Test (B-1) Results ..................... 49

Special FM Test (B-2) Results . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

iii
Section Page
AntennaStaticTest(B-3)Results ....................... 49

Frequency Modulation Demodulator Threshold-Extension Test

.................................
(B-4) Results 50

Split-Phase PCM Test (B-5) Results ...................... 50

Extravehicular Communications System/USB System Design

VerificationTest(B-6)Results ............... ........ 50

Apollo 9 Mission Configuration Voice Demonstration (B-7) Results . . . . . . 50

Apollo 8 Mission Test (B-8)Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Lunar Module Color TV T e s t (B-9)Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package Command Anomaly Test

(B-10)Results ............................. ... 51

Apollo Lunar Scientific Data System/MSFN Design

Verification Test (B-11 ) Results . . . . . . . . . .............. 51

Support Test (C-1 to C-21) Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

PLANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

CONCLUDING REMARKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

APPENDIX A .
TEST PROGRAM OPERATIONS ................ 55

TELEMETRY AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS DIVISION,

APPENDIX B .
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND
TEST BRANCH LABORATORY. ESTP SUPPORT
CAPABILITY ......................... 57

iv
 ‘TABLES

Table Page

I ELECTRONIC
SYSTEMS
TEST PROGRAM PARTICIPATION ....... 4

I1 BLOCK I-E
PROBLEM ......................
AREAS 12

It1 BLOCK I1 SIMULATEDSYSTEMPROBLEM AREAS . . . . . . . . . . . 15

IV SATURNIVB/IU CCS/USB PROBLEM AREAS ............... 16

V COMMAND AND SERVICE MODULE BLOCK I/MSFN

USB PROBLEM AREAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... 17

VI COMMAND AND SERVICE MODULE BLOCK II/MSFN USB

PROBLEM AREAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GROSS TEST ...... 19

VI1 LUNAR MODULE/”SFN USBGROSS TESTPROBLEM AREAS ...... 20

VI11 ADDITIONAL S-BAND TESTS ....................... 26

M FREQUENCY MODULATION TESTRESULTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

B-I ESTL GROUND EQUIPMENT ........................ 57

FI GU RES

Figure Page

1 Testconcept of theESTP ......................... 6

2 Generalized
systems
test
configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3 Testactivity of theESTPfrom1964to1969 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4 Two-extravehicular-astronaut/LM/MSFN communication
mode . . . . 22
5 Designverificationtest of theEVCS-LM-MSFNsystem ......... 33

6 Extravehicular
astronaut/LM/MSFN/MCC-H
voice
paths ........ 42

7 Performance criteria studyand test automationschedule

(preliminary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 54

A-1 Test program

operations flow c h a r t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

B-1 F o r m f o r requesting
ESTL test support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

.
 ACRONYMS

AAP Apollo Applications Program

ACAM Apollo computer address matrix

ACC antenna control console

ACS Apollo communications system

AGC automatic gain control

ALSEP Apollo lunar surface experiments package

AM amplitude modulation

AMQ analog-multiplexer-quantizer

APL Applied Physics Laboratory

ARIA Apollo range instrumented aircraft

ASE audio support equipment

ASP0 Apollo Spacecraft Program Office

ATC Apollo time conditioner

ATP acceptance test procedure

BER b i t e r r o r rate

CAM computer address matrix

CCB Configuration Control Board

CCDC central control and display console

ccs command and communications system

CDR command distribution rack

CDDT Countdown Demonstration Test

CM command module

COMSAT Communications Satellite Corporation

CRO Carnarvon,Australia

vi
CSM command and service module

cv command verification

DRUL down-range up link

DSE data storage equipment

EASEP e a r l y Apollo scientific experiments package

E1 Engineering Instruction

EKG electrocardiogram

EMU extravehicular mobility unit

ESCF Electronic Systems Compatibility Facility

ESTL Electronic Systems Test Laboratory

ESTP Electronic Systems Test Program

ETR Eastern Test Range

EVA extravehicular astronaut

EVCS extravehicular communications system

FM frequency modulation

FMFB F M feedback

FOD Flight Operations Directorate

GSFC Goddard Space Flight Center

H . L. hardline

IAM incidental amplitude modulation

ICD Interface Control Document

IPM incidental phase modulation

IRIG Inter- Range Instrumentation Group

IU instrument unit

JPL Jet Propulsion Laboratory

KSC John F. Kennedy Space Center

vii
LEM lunar ,excursion module

LM lunar module

MCC Mission Control Center

MCC-H MCC-Houston

MGC manual gain control

MILA Merritt Island Launch Area

MPS mission profile simulator

MSC Manned Spacecraft Center

MSFC Marshall Space Flight Center

MSFN Manned Space Flight Network

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NRZ-L nonreturn to zero-level

PAM pulse amplitude modulation

PCM pulse code modulation

PLSS portable life support system

PM phase modulation

PMD payload module decoder

PRN pseudorandom noise

PSK phase shift key

RC resistor-capacitor

RER receiver exciter ranging

RSSC remote-site simulator console

SBED serial bit e r r o r detector

SBER s u b b i t e r r o r rate

sco subcarrier oscillator

SDD signal data demodulators

viii
SPA signal-processor assembly

ssc space- suit communicator

SSTC spacecraft system test console

TAR turnaround ratio

TCSD Telemetry and Communications Systems Division

TDC test director console

TDP tracking data processor

TOB telemetry output buffer

TV television

UDB updata buffer

UDL updata link

USB unified S-band

USBSS USB system simulator

vco voltage-controlled oscillator

VOGAA voice-operated gain-adjusting amplifier

VR verification receiver

WI word intelligibility

ix
 APOLLO EXPERIENCE PEPORT
ELECTRON1C SYSTEMS TEST PROGRAM
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND RESULTS
By Thomas E. Ohnesorge
Manned Spacecraft Center

SUMMARY

The Electronic Systems Test Program described in this document was established
to fulfill a need that developed as manned space-flight communications systems evolved
in complexity and required capability. The combining of all communications functions
into one unified communications system for the Apollo Program, instead of the multiple
communications systems that were used on Project Mercury and the Gemini Program,
necessitated the innovation of a combined systems testing concept. For the first time,
a concept of simultaneous spacecraft/spacecraft/ground conlmunications system testing
w a s established a s a fundamental portion of communications system development and
performance verification. The interaction and combination of all information on one
radio-frequency carrier required compatibility verification and performance evaluation
of the system prior to manned flight. The fact that each type of spacecraft w a s manu-
factured by a different contractor and that the ground communications systemw a s pro-
vided by several different sources intensified this need for combined systems testing.

The test program began with the first system scheduled to fly - that is, the
command and service module Block I (earth-orbital) system - and the Manned Space
Flight Network equipment required to support these missions. The program progressed
to testing of more advanced systems and complex combinations of t h e s e s y s t e m s to
finally arrive at the lunar landing communications system configuration. During this
progression, special testing of critical information channels and channels containing
updated hardware occurred. A few major compatibility problems were detected and
corrective action determined. Many minor problems were noted and solutions recom-
mended. Testing techniques and concepts were developed and evolved as the test pro-
gram progressed.

T h e r e s u l t s of the test program have vindicated the combined systems compatibil-

ity approach for communications system development and testing. The conduct of the
program, including peripheral areas of support, has delineated the need for better
specification and testing criteria, as well as for systems testing on a breadboard basis
prior to design finalization.
 INTRODUCTION

Background and Purpose of This Document

The Electronic Systems Test Program (ESTP) has been established to configure
manned spacecraft, extravehicular astronaut (EVA), and NASA Manned Space Flight
Network (MSFN) telecommunications systems in combined operation under controlled
laboratory conditions for the purposes of verifying systems compatibility and of deter-
mining systems performance levels under various conditions of space flight. Estab-
lished in May 1963 and implemented during the summer of 1964, the ESTP has
contributed significantly to the design and successful operation of the Apollo communi-
cations system (ACS). The purpose of this report, which is one of a s e r i e s on Apollo
experience, is to present the early history of this test program, to illustrate its
growth and development, to describe its accomplishments, and to record its results
through calendar year 1969. Capabilities and plans for further development also are
discussed.

History of t h e Test Program

Project Mercury, which was the first U. S. manned space-flight effort, used
telecommunications equipment and procedures very much like those used on test and
experimental aircraft of the day. Equipment had to be qualified and repackaged for
use in space, of course, but the communications techniques employed had been well
proven and were accepted. Later manned space-flight programs, however, began to
u s e new techniques. Some of these, such as digital command and telemetry techniques,
made their appearance in the Gemini Program, in which the basic systems concepts
(multiple transmit and receive links) were not greatly changed from Project Mercury.
After some initial debate, however, the Apollo Program settled on an entirely new
communications technique - the unified carrier/multiple signal combination capability.
By using this technique, for the first time, all voice and data (as well as ranging and
tracking functions) were transmitted simultaneously on one prime radio frequency. Ex-
perience with telecommunications systems of this nature was essentially nil. Although
theoretical analyses and early laboratory tests indicated a reasonable chance of success,
NASA management felt that more thorough investigations, including detailed theoretical
analysis and extensive laboratory testing, were necessary to prove the feasibility of the
technique and to determine inherent systems limitations, if any.

A s a result, in the spring of 1963, the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC)
initiated planning and implementation of a program that was subsequently designated
the ESTP. This program was given the specific objectives of verifying spacecraft,
MSFN, and MSC Mission Control Center (MCC) total systems compatibility and of
evaluating the overall performance of the ACS by using operational prototype and pro-
duction hardware. The task was made a joint responsibility of the MSC Ground Sys-
tems Project Office and the MSC Instrumentation and Electronic Systems Division
(later renamed "Space Electronic Systems Division"). In June 1964, an MSC r e o r -
ganization created the Information Systems Division, which was given total responsi-
bility for the ESTP, with support to be provided by other MSC divisions and other
NASA C e n t e r s as required. In August 1969, another MSC reorganization combined
ESTP personnel and spacecraft telecommunications personnel into the same division,
the Telemetry and Communications Systems Division (TCSD).

2
I

During the first 24 months of its existence, five significant events occurred
within the ESTP. First, construction of a facility to house the ESTP at MSC was ap-
proved by NASA Headquarters. This facility was officially designated the Electronic
Systems Compatibility Facility (ESCF). The laboratory area within this facility in
which the actual systems testing takes place was subsequently designated the Electronic
Systems Test Laboratory (ESTL). In the interim, a temporary facility located at MSC
was authorized and subsequently used until the summer of 1966. Second, support and
assistance agreements within MSC and with other NASA Centers were reached. These
agreements, as modified by experience and by changes in functional responsibility, are
summarizedintable I. Third, a decisionwasmadetoeliminatetesting of Gemini
Program communications because the time frame to manned launch was too close
foravailability of properequipment,becausethe rf systemsinvolvedwereessen-
tially the same as thoseforProjectMercury(eventhoughthetelemetryandcom-
mand systems using thesc? links weredifferent),andbecausethetimefordesign
finalization of Apollohardwarewasrapidlyapproaching.Coupledwiththisevent
was a decision to eliminate all plans for testing any vhf or hf s y s t e m s s i n c e t h e s e
s y s t e m s had not changed significantly in several years; however, this decision was
later modified for special instances. Fourth, a Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Deep
Space Network (a JPL-NASA network for unmanned satellites and probes) unified S-band
(USB) receiver-exciter-ranging (RER) system, modified for Apollo frequencies and
parameters, was made available to the ESTP in September 1964, along with command
and service module (CSM) Block I equipment, so that systems testing could begin in
November 1964. Early testing of t h e s e i t e m s w a s n e c e s s a r y so that any problems en-
countered could be resolved and the necessary modifications couldbe incorporated into
t h e s y s t e m p r i o r t o t h e first manned Apollo flight. (The J P L RER system was replaced
by a production-model MSFN RER system in early 1965. ) Fifth, in January 1965, on
the basis of cost and MCC operation schedules, the plans to incorporate the MCC in the
test loop were dropped at the request ofNASA management. Special tests involving the
MCC have been performed, however; and additional tests will be performed at the
specific request of the MSC Flight Operations Directorate (FOD).

While the initial purpose of the ESTP was, as stated earlier, to provide informa-
tion regarding spacecraft/ground telecommunications system compatibility and per-
formance based on tests with operational equipment, t h i s purpose has been broadened
somewhat to include design verification testing, mission anomaly investigations, pre-
launch problem resolution testing, and exploratory and development tests to improve
systems performance. These and other aspects of the test p r o g r a m are described in
the following sections.

3
 TABLE I. - ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS TEST PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

Responsibilities

Implementation of ESTP and ESTL

Negotiation and coordination of procurement and delivery of ground

and spacecraft equipment and supporting documentation

Design and fabrication of special-purpose test equipment and fixtures

P r o c u r e m e n t of all general-purpose test equipment

Control of facility configuration

Preparation of ESTP documents

Coordination of individual black-box testing and conducting necessary

subsystem and system performance tests in accordancewith hard-
ware performance requirements

Obtaining data on TCSD and contractor tests of spacecraft and

ground-support hardware that may be related to the ESTP

Supplying system engineers to support compatibility and performance

evaluation tests

Scheduling of tests and related activities

Preparation of test plans, procedures, and reports

Providing all test predictions

Chairing all test planning, status review, and final review meetings

Directing tests and providing reduction, analysis, and dissemination

of test data

Coordinating and expediting resolution of problem areas associated

e i t h e r with t e s t r e s u l t s o r a v a i l a b i l i t yof appropriate equipment
for test

Maintaining adequate systems documentation and expediting flow of

test data and results to appropriate users

4
TABLE I. - ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS TEST PROGRAM PARTICIPATION - Concluded

Responsibilities

Supporting spacecraft system procurement and assisting ESTP in

obtaining appropriate spacecraft contractor participation

Assisting in the acquisitionof spacecraft equipment documentation

Participating in the preparation of test plans of i n t e r e s t

Providing data for use in dynamicstests when requested

Participation in analyzing results of tests of interest and concern

Specification and procurement of MSFN equipment

Direction o r supervision of the installation and checkout of MSFN

equipment in the ESTL

Providing assistance o r consultation during subsystems testing and

systems tests

Participation in overall planning, testing, and data evaluation

Supporting resolution of MSFN-related problem areas associated

either with t e s t r e s u l t s o r equipment availability

Providing MSFN equipment operator training

Updating MSFN equipment at ESTL in accordance with overall MSFN

updates and advising MSC personnel of forthcoming changes that
may impact o r invalidate test r e s u l t s

Providing data on GSFC- o r contractor-conducted tests that may

affect the ESTP

Essentially the same as MSC/TCSD support activities, but related

to booster telecommunications equipment

Essentially the same as, and in conjunction with, GSFC

Advising of any unique launch instrumentation system characteristics

requiring compatibility and performance testing

Monitoring test program to keep aware of problems encountered and

solutions proposed
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5
 PROGRAM CONCEPTS AND DEVELOPMENT

The primary objective of the ESTP has been to provide a high level of a s s u r a n c e
that spacecraft, extravehicular? and MSFN telecommunications systems are compatible
and that the overall systems performance levelsare commensurate with project goals
and individual mission requirements. In t h e p r o c e s s of achieving this objective, sev-
eral secondary objectives have been realized. These objectives are the performance
of t e s t s e a r l y enough prior to manned flight to assist in determining overall systems
design requirements and specifications, recommendations for modifications where in-
compatibilities are found to exist o r performance levels are found to be insufficient,
determination of operational constraints, and recommendations for systems
improvements.

To attain these objectives, a t e s t

concept consisting of four discrete levels Systems cornpatlbillty
of test effort was devised. These levels

0
total systems
were chosen on the assumption that all compatlbllity and
component qualification, as well a s sub- performance
evaluation
systems testing and environmental qualifi-
cation, occurs at the manufacturing o r
prime contractor facilities. The four
testing levels (fig. 1) a r e s u b s y s t e m s Problem area Systems Integration
evaluation tests, systems integration tests, investigation
functlonal checkout
systems compatibility tests, and problem
( ~ensd0oit:O: 1 and
calibration )
resolution tests. A fifth category of test-
ing, "special tests, " is described in sub-
sequentparagraphs.
Subsystems evaluation
The subsystems evaluation tests a r e
subsystems performance
designed to check each subsystem (or ( verification and updating)
"black box") individually to verify per- A
formance according to speci.fication and
Subsystems from
to obtain important calibration data for prlme contractor
following tests. These subsystems evalua-
confused
qualifi-
with
be to(not
tests
tion equipment)
ground I
lspacecraft and

cation or acceptance tests) have as their

primaryobjectivethedocumentation of Figure 1. - Testconcept of theESTP.
i m p o r t a n t p a r a m e t e r s s u c h as bandwidth,
dynamic range, power output, and stability
which are required before compatibility test data can be properly utilized. Spacecraft
and extravehicular subsystems evaluation tests are performed in TCSD laboratories at
MSC. The MSFN and special-purpose test equipment subsystems evaluation tests are
conducted in the ESTL.

The systems integration testing (or systems evaluation testing) is designed to

verify proper operation and interconnection of the spacecraft, extravehicular, or
MSFN equipment; to obtain further calibration data as required; and to verify proper
interconnection of the overall communications system in preparation for systems com-
patibility tests. The ultimate objective, then, of the systems evaluation test is to
a r r i v e a t a fully configured ESTL test bed with which a p a r t i c u l a r s e r i e s of compatibil-
ity and performance evaluation tests can be performed.

6
 The subsystems and systems evaluation tests are repeated whenever a major
change occurs in the ESTL and are periodically repeated (between major test phases)
to supplement daily maintenance checks and to verify o r detect changes to subsystems
and systems calibration. Abbreviated versions of these tests, called brief systems
t e s t s , are run more frequently to provide verificationof important parameter values.

The third level of testing is s y s t e m s

compatibility testing, which is the heart of
the ESTP. It is f r o m t h i s t e s t i n g l e v e l and
Spacecraft
system
- rl-path
Dynamic

simulstor
thattheprimaryobjective of theESTP is monitor
realized. A generalized systems test con-
figuration is shown in figure 2. These
tests are designed not only t o a s c e r t a i n
total systems compatibility but also to
determine the performance levels and
limitations of the system for each com- Comparison f
munications mode. During these tests, system MSFN
USB system
the performance characteristics of each equipment )
(evaluation
information channel are determined and
documented.Theinformationchannel
t e s t s c o v e r not only transmitters and re- Data for systems
c e i v e r s but subcarrier
also equipment
and -1 performance
evaluation
initial modulation and processing equip-
ment(pulsecodemodulation (PCM) telem-Figure 2. - Generalizedsystemstest
equipment,
equipment,
center
etry
audio
configuration.
updata buffer (UDB), etc. ). T h e s e t e s t s
are performed on one channel at a time
(voice, television (TV), telemetry, ranging, and updata) under various combinations of
up-link and down-link modulation. Each channel is tested over the full range of rf levels
and Doppler conditions expected during operational missions. In fact, a phase of testing
in which the rf levels and the Doppler-shift effects are varied in a t i m e f r a m e s i m u l a -
ting that expected duringan actual flight can be performed. The following are examples
of measurements taken during systems compatibility tests. (The number sequence
does not indicate relative significance, )

1. Spacecraft and ground receiver rf threshold

2. Subcarrierdemodulatorthreshold

3. Ranging subsystemthreshold

4. Acquisition and lock times at different rf levels and Doppler rates

5. Received telemetry data error rates

6. Updata message acceptance rate

7. Voiceintelligibility
 8. Televisionpicturequality

9. Keyed-carrier code- copy accuracy

The fourth level of testing, the problem resolution tests, is conducted in more
detail but on r e s t r i c t e d p o r t i o n s of the overall system to explore problems detected
during the systems compatibility tests. It is this level of testing, primarily, which
enables realization of the secondary ESTP objectives discussed earlier. The problem
resolution tests a r e often run concurrently with compatibility tests on simulated space-
craft and ground equipment; only when a resolution is found are the ongoing compatibil-
ity tests interrupted to verify the solution on the operational equipment. Problem
resolution testing is also conducted when theoretical analyses indicate potential prob-
lems and when anomalies are detected during a mission.

A similar but less directly related level of testing, designated simply a s special
t e s t s , is performed (upon request) todevelop systems improvements in the case of
marginal performance, to verify new designs in the conceptual stage of hardware de-
velopment, o r to see if the existing system can accommodate new information transfer
o r relay requirements. This level of testing also includes verification of certain NASA
Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)-engineered modifications to the MSFN equipment
p r i o r t o release to all MSFN sites, astronaut demonstrations where voice-conferencing
capabilities and procedure tests are conducted with astronaut participation, andhigh-
gain antenna tracking tests with varying up-link transmission modes. Special support
to the MCC a l s o is included here by incorporating a t e m p o r a r y hookup to the MCC o r
simply by making appropriate tape recordings to be replayed in the MCC o r over the
MSFN to the MCC.

Both the problem resolution tests and the special tests, as separate categories,
are relatively late developments in the ESTP. It was found that to stop and reconfigure
for testing covered by these categories in the middle of, o r between, regularly sched-
uled systems compatibility tests often jeopardized schedules to the point that data either
could not be made available in time to be useful (spacecraft development too advanced),
o r the data taken were no longer applicable because of systems changes. Therefore,
the separate categories were established, and testing was scheduled during off-shift
periods, on simulated equipment, o r i n s e p a r a t e l a b o r a t o r i e s (the MSC Audio Tech-
niques and Evaluation Laboratory and the MSC Communications Systems Engineering
Laboratory) organizationally and electrically connected with the ESTL. However, be-
cause of p r i o r i t i e s o r possible consequences, the mainstream tests often have been de-
layed so that problem resolution tests o r s p e c i a l t e s t s took priority. On each such
occurrence, the test personnel worked closely with the requesting organization and es-
tablished procedures and schedules acceptable to all concerned. In many of these in-
stances, however, the data analysis and final reporting have been left to the requesting
organization so that other testing may proceed. In essence, then, the original testing
concept of the ESTP has been modified to provide flexible and rapid response to urgent
requirements that affect system design, requirement implementation, o r crew safety.
Also, future program support, where simple exploratory testing can clarify systems
capabilities and allow firming up of concepts, has been employed.

A further refinement in the original planof the ESTP occurred rather early in
the program. In many instances at that time, only early breadboard-type equipment
was available for testing and only f o r a short period of time; the prototype o r opera-
tional equipment on a more permanent basis was not available until several months

8
later. Consequently, systems compatibility testing was divided into two types - g r o s s
compatibility testing and detailed compatibility and performance evaluation testing.
The gross compatibility tests were designed to obtain maximum information about the
equipment in a s h o r t t i m e - usually 4 to 6 weeks. Only two major conditions were
tested: nominal parameter and range values and combined worst-case values. This
testing allowed detection of major incompatibilities, but tended to bypass minor prob-
lems. The detailed compatibility tests, which cover all expected conditions, come
later and usually last 3 months; Here, minor problems are ferreted out, special
testing is inserted upon request, and complete documentation on the operational system
is obtained.

Test techniques are continually being developed for the ESTP. Such items as
speech-to-noise ratio measurement, frame-synchronization loss-rate measurement,
noise-figure measurement, and others have been developed to yield greater accuracy
and to reduce test time where possible. A study is now underway on ESTP accuracies
based on measurement tolerances and interactions; the down-link telemetry channel
portion of the study is complete and the down-link normal voice channel portion is
nearly so.

Strict configuration control of the ESTL equipment used for the ESTP is main-
tained. A detailed description of the ESTL equipment. sample test plans, signal flow,
and quality and configuration control procedures are contained in a five-volume report
prepared by MSC. A l l v o l u m e s a r e updated periodically to reflect changes in proce-
d u r e s and equipment. Test program operations and ESTL equipment and support capa-
bility a r es u m m a r i z e d inappendixes A and B, respectively.Similarcontrol is
maintained over the Audio Techniques and Evaluation Laboratory and the Communica-
tions Systems Engineering Laboratory whenever these laboratories perform tests di-
rectly related to the ESTP. A brief description of laboratory capabilities available is
given in appendix B. The original program plan and sequence of testing, as proposed
in the five-volume report, have been adhered to except for two major causes. One
cause, the largest perturbing factor, w a s that additional tests (extravehicular astro-
naut demonstration tests, rf t r a c k e r t e s t s , Apollo lunar surface experiments package
(ALSEP) tests, Apollo range instrumented aircraft (ARIA) performance evaluation tests,
etc.) were implemented and completed. The total time added by this cause w a s over
1-1/2 years. The second cause (of less significance) was that increased test scope,
including special testing, took more time than originally forecast. The time increase
for the latter cause was approximately 6 months. The total increase in time was, then,
approximately 2 years. A s a result of this additional testing, many significant contri-
butions - important in design, in development, and ultimately in mission operations -
were made by each of the previously listed program phases.

The ESTP has made the following significant contributions to the ACS. (The
numbering sequence does not indicate relative significance. )

1. Verification of overall systems compatibility

2. Determination of o v e r a l l s y s t e m s p e r f o r m a n c e l e v e l s a n d c a p a b i l i t i e s

3. Evaluation of impact of incompatibilities and insufficient performance

9
 4. Verification of analyses and predictions

5. Derivation of information not readily available from analysis

6. Aid to all groups requiring understanding and knowledge of s y s t e m s

characteristics, performance limitations, and operational constraints

7. Aid to all groups in resolving problems, establishing performance specifica-

tions, and verifying adequacy of changes

8. Verification of equipment design in breadboard stage

The ESTP has resulted in a complete and thorough documentation of the per-
formance capabilities and the limitations of the ACS and can provide similar results
f o r any communications system used for manned space flight.

TEST ACTIVITIES

Testing activities under the ESTP were begun in September 1964, in temporary
facilitiesat MSC, andhavecontinuedwithoutinterruption,exceptforbriefrecon-
figurationsandupdateperiods(includingrelocationtothepermanentfacility),until
thepresenttime.Thespecifictestsconducted are describedinthissection. For
convenienceandemphasis,they a r e groupedintothreecategories:majortests
(totalspacecraft/groundtests),specialtests(partialspacecraft/groundtests),and
support tests (special problems of lesser manpowersignificancethanthespecial
tests). A schedulewhichillustratesthetimesequenceandrelationship of t h e s e
t e s t s is shown in figure 3. Significant outputs from the tests are discussed in the sec-
tion entitled "Significant Results. I'

Figure 3. - Test activity of the ESTP from 1964 to 1969.

10
 Major Tests
Major tests (designated "A") are aimed at verifying overall communications sys-
tems compatibility and performance for overall program support and do not, as such,
cover such special testing as determining systems capabilities to fulfill individual mis-
sion objectives where they differ from flight to flight. However, the major tests do
establish basic performance criteria and capability and information from which specific
mission capabilities can be derived.

T h e f i r s t two tests described (A- 1 and A-2) w e r e p e r f o r m e d a t MSC under con-

t r a c t (NAS 9-2563) with a major supplier of spacecraft and MSFN equipment. The
equipment tested was not operational because the spacecraft equipment was the CSM
Block I engineering (Block I-E) model, o r production prototype equipment, and the
MSFN USB RER system was actually a Deep Space Network system modified f o r Apollo
frequencies. codes. and subcarriers. Sufficiently good data were obtained, however,
to confirm the basic acceptability of the Block I equipment and to affect significantly
the Block I1 design quite early in the design process. Also, significant and valuable
experience was obtained whereby MSC personnel could effectively carry on with the
test program after completion of the first two tests. These and other tests are dis-
cussed in more detail in the following paragraphs.

Command and .service

. .- .. - -
" . ".
module
". .- - _. Block
. . .
I-E USB t e s t s ( A - 1). - The primary objectives
. . . ."
of theCSM Block I-E USB test series were to verify the Block I ACS overall compatibil-
ity and. to determine. a s early as possible in the manufacturing and assembly stages.
the performance that could be expected from the ACS. W h i l e final hardware configura-
tions were not available until later (for A-4 tests), the CSM Block I-E equipment tested
was sufficiently similar (and in many cases identical) to the final Block I s y s t e m s o that
performing the tests became worthwhile. The same can be said of the ground S-band
system, which was later converted to the Apollo configuration (frequencies, sub-
c a r r i e r s , e t c . ) f r o m a ,JPL configuration. Much of the effort expended on this test
series became directly applicable to the Block I1 and lunar-configuration systems de-
sign and testing which were to follow.

Two major classifications of tests were accomplished. The first of these was to
determine the compatibility and performance of the overall system. These tests de-
t e r m i n e d s u c h c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s a s PCM data quality, voice intelligibility. updata link
(UDL) quality. ranging accuracy, and acquisition time, all at various rf received signal
levels and carrier thresholds. The second classification of tests included investigation
of problem areas detected in the compatibility and performance tests and also included
TV demodulation tests, emergency-key demodulation tests, and low-frequency inciden-
tal amplitude modulation (IAM) and incidental phase modulation (IPM) tests designed to
answer special questions that arose regarding spacecraft (particularly the lunar mod-
ule (LM)) high-gain antenna pointing accuracy and stability effects on data quality. This
s e r i e s of tests proved the basic compatibility of the Block I ACS. However, as noted
previously, several problems that had to be solved prior to a lunar mission were un-
covered. At the time of these tests, the Block I ACS was no longer intended for use at
lunar distances; some of the problems detected, however, were common to both the
Block I and the Block I1 systems. Other problems were not serious enough to demand
major hardware rework but did require systems or operational constraints. Some
problenls indicated the need for detailed specifications, primarily in regard to systems

11
performances and interfaces. The major problems in each category are presented in
table 11. Based on r e s u l t s of this test series, the problems were corrected by hard-
ware, documentation. or procedure changes. In many instances, further testing w a s
needed prior to making any definite corrections to the problems. Some of the addi-
tional testing performed is discussed in later sections of this report.

TABLE 11. - BLOCK I-E PROBLEM AREAS

Problem Resolution
~~ ~.
~
.-.iL.~_

Problems requiring resolution prior to lunar missions

Transponder noise-figure degradation Block I - A low-pass fiiter was in-

of 6 dB in the high-power mode was
caused by the passage of the S-band
traveling-wave-tube-generated
C-band noise through both the trans-
mit and the receive arm of the
diplexer.
serted in the transmit leg of the power
amplifier.
Block I1 -- No problem was expected
because of the presence of a p r e -
s e l e c t o r in the transponder re-
ceiver and a low-passfilterinthe
t r a n s m i t Arm.

When the transponder was in the ranging
mode, up-link data were turned
around and remodulated onto the
down link, severely degrading the
51.2-kbps telemetry data.
Block I - The up-link modulation indices
were reduced.
Block I1 - The problem was minimized
by transponder design.

Incorrect range tally read-outs for cer- Personnel at JPL corrected the problem.
tain range-code delays were caused
by d e s i g n e r r o r in the ranging
subsystem.

Downvoice distortion was caused by a Personnel at GSFC corrected the problem.

mismatch between the voice demodu-
lator and the output amplifier.

Quality of updata did not correspond to Block I - The quality was adequate.
predictions as a r e s u l t of poor detec-
tor design. Block I1 - A design correction was
incorporated.

400-Hz power to the transponder con- Block I - A much improved inverter was
tained AM as a r e s u l t of load changes: designed by the contractor.
this condition caused undesired PM
on the down link, which degraded re- Block I1 - The transponder design in-
ceived data. cluded dc regulation.
- ~- _ _ ~-
=- " _.__
 TABLE 11. - BLOCK I-E PROBLEM AREAS - Continued

~ . . . ~
.~ - . ~~ -~ .. .. ..
..

Problem Resolution
...- . -, .. - " - .~ ~ ~ ~~
I _ _ .

Problems requiring system constraints

~- ~ . ... . .. . . . " . ". . ~~ ~

In certain operational modes of the CM Tests to determine the maximum signal

and the LM, the received LM down- differential for acceptable data quality
link signal strength could be consid- were performed, and the results were
erably stronger than that of the CM. forwarded to appropriate mission
This situation would degrade CM down- planning groups.
link data quality.

Very weak up-link signals caused noise Tests to determine the point atwhich
modulation on the transponder voltage- this condition affects PCM data quality
controlled oscillator (VCO). were performed.

Energizing and deenergizing up-link These functions cannot be changed during

modulation during range-code acquisi- range-code acquisition.
tion caused the ranging subsystem to
reset.

Design of the audio center was such that Block I1 specifications were changed to
upvoice was fed back into the down- improve this condition.
voice channel, thereby limiting maxi-
mum obtainable voice intelligibility.

During PCM 1: 1 data-playback mode Degradation of 1 dB was considered

tests, data quality was degraded ap- acceptable.
proximately 1 dB as a r e s u l t of r e -
c o r d e rc h a r a c t e r i s t i c s .T h e
32: 1 playback performance w a s not
tested because required equipment was
unavailable.
-~ "" ~-
~. - - . -" -~ . ~ ~"

Problems requiring specification requirements

-___ ~~~ .. . . . . . - " -~ ~ " .

Detected UDL subbits could be inverted Po1arit.y at each point in the system had
if one of many interfaces was not to be specified and closely observed.
properly interfaced.

Inversion of the TV picture could occur, The number of amplification stages or an

depending on the amplification used at inverter at the TV monitor input ( o r
the ground. both) had to be specified.
"~ "" -~ ~ " . . ~~ "". ~~~

13
, ,..

TABLE 11. - BLOCK I-E PROBLEM AREAS - Concluded

~~~
Problem
~
I Resolution

Problems requiring specification requirements - Concluded

I
..
~~
- ~~
"" -~ ~~ .

Real-time PCM subcarrier modulation The decommutator specification had to

was such that proper frame synchroni- include provision for operation on both
zation could not occur. data and data complement (inverted
bit stream).

Long s t r i n g s of '(1's'' o r "O1s" in the The PCM bit and word formats had to be
PCM data stream could possibly cause specified in such a manner that long
loss of lock by the bit-rate clock on series of " 1's" o r ''O1s" w e r e not
the ground. present in the format.

Command and service module Block

. ."
I1 (simulated)
" - compatibility tests (A-2). - The
~ ... .. ". ~

primary objective of the CSM Block I1 (sj.mulatea compatibility test series was to ver-
i f y the compatibility and performance of the intended CSM Block I1 design by using sim-
ulated CSM communications equipment and operational ground equipment. (The ground
USB system used for the Block I-E t e s t s w a s r e p l a c e d with an operational system spe-
cifically designed for the Apollo Program. ) The subcarrier demodulators were simu-
lated; that is, they were not the planned operational units. Simulated CSM equipment
had to be used because the Block I1 design had not been finalized. The Block I1 equip-
ment was simulated by the Block I "E-5" transponder modified for Block I1 p a r a m e t e r s
and by a "Universal" (or adjustable) spacecraft communications system which was pro-
vided for this test and is now assigned to the problem resolution phase of the ESTP.
Consequently. this test series a l s o s e r v e d as a design verification test for the CSM
Block I1 communications system. Furthermore, problem areas could be resolved
more readily since the design was not f i r m .

The types of tests performed were very similar to those done for the Block I-E
model (A-l), except that some mission profile tests, in which a dynamic Doppler sim-
ulator was used to simulate spacecraft velocity and range changes, were performed.
Also, the number of data points taken for each channel was somewhat reduced because
of the limited time available.

Again, the test series verified the basic compatibility of the communications s y s -
tem design, this time for Block 11. Also, as before, some problems were uncovered
which had to be resolved. These problems can be categorized as before, and the major
ones are presented in table ID. A l l necessary corrective action h a s been taken. This
action has occurred. however, often as a r e s u l t of further testing, some of which is
described in later sections of this report.

14
 TABLE 111. - BLOCK 11 SIMULATED SYSTEM PROBLEM AREAS

~~~~ .. __

" ..
Problem
..
. ~

Problems requiring resolution prior to lunar missions

I Resolution

-. ". - =. . - " -. . ..-.

.. - --
~~

For low spacecraft transmit power and GSFC personnel redesigned the filter-
omnidirectional antenna configura- demodulator subsystem for detection
tion, the total ground-received signal of emergency key.
power from lunar distance was 1.8 dB
below that required for 80-percent
copying accuracy of keyed tones.

Difficulty in acquiring both the up link Hardware changes were achieved by

and the down link was experienced.
This was caused by frequency
"pushing" effects and spurs gener-
ated by intermodulation processes
between the signal and VCO.
-. .~ .~... -
changing filters associated with both
the transponder and MSFN phase-lock
loops.
~ "

Problems requiring system constraints

-- .". - . .-. . ~ ~ "~ . .

Plus-Doppler offsets caused slight deg- The problem is a function of rate and
radation of voice and UDL channel magnitude of Doppler and must be
performance; negative offsets caused accounted for in circuit margin
improvement of similar magnitude. calculations.
This was caused by phase shifts re-
sulting from the transponder carrier
loop static-phase error and was most
noticeable at weak signal levels.

Telemetry BER using the DSE w a s some- The problem must be accounted for in
what degraded for the real-time case. circuit margin calculations.
Also, f o r 32: 1 playback, the best
BER achievable was 1 X 10- '.

Carrier-acquisition difficulties also Prohibition of all up-link modulation

caused operational constraints. during carrier acquisition was found
necessary,

15
 TABLE 111. - BLOCK 11 SIMULATED SYSTEM PROBLEM AREAS - Concluded

_______~
~
~
". -~

Problem Resolution
_"-
_________~~

Problems requiring specification requirements

- .. ~~ "" "

The UDL channel performance at base- Proper and complete specification of

band (subcarrier only) was degraded differential time delays (l-kHz and
from predictions as a r e s u l t of phase 2-kHz signal components) was found
and amplitude distortion and impulse necessary.
noise of the discriminator.

Best telemetry BER of 1 X lo-' for the The specification was changed to reflect
DSE conflicted with performance and equipment limitations.
interface specifications.

Saturn IVB/instrument unit command and communications system/MSFN

USB compatibility tests (A-31. - In cooperation with and with the participation of the
NASA Marshall Space FlCghl-Center (MSFC), the instrument unit (IU) command and
communications system (CCS) transponder of the Saturn IVB (S-IVB) and the MSFN
RER subsystems went into test near the middle of December 1965. The t e s t s w e r e
completed near the first of May 1966. The telemetry channel performance was found
to fall s h o r t of expected results, and the up-link modulation in the transponder ranging
channel was identified as the source of e r r o r . T h e MSFN receiver acquisition tests
encountered a down-link false-lock problem, which was traced to the transponder. It
was determined that the switching power supply in the transponder generated spurious
signals at 37 decibels below the carrier component, and the MSFN receiver acquired
these spurious signals in place of t h e d e s i r e d s i g n a l . T h e s e p r o b l e m s a r e s u m m a r i z e d
in table IV.

TABLE IV. - SATURN IVB/IU CCS/USB PROBLEM AREAS

Problem Resolution
~~ ~~
~~~

Telemetry channel performance was de- The MSFC personnel were advised of the
graded by up-link modulation in the problem and reduced the turnaround
transponder ranging channel. channel gain constant.
Down-link false lock was caused by the The MSFC personnel were advised of the
transponder switching power supply, problem and took corrective action.
which generated spurious signals at
37 dB below the carrier wave. The
MSFN r e c e i v e r would lock onto the
spurious signals.

16
 Command and service module Block I-D/MSFN USB compatibility tests (A-4). -
The CSM. Block -1-D.model USB- equipment andT h e MSFN .RER-Kbsystemswent into
t e s t i n g n e a r t h e f i r s t of May 1966, and the testing was concluded in mid-June 1966.
The results of the tests were compared to the system specifications and to expected
performance. This comparison indicated that audio center crosstalk and the presence
of excessive noise in the crewmembers' headsets (when the crew audio switch was on
with the 30-kilohertz up-link subcarrier off) created problems. Also, the results of
antenna switching indicated that the automatic switch affected the USB equipment
carrier-acquisition threshold and that conditions existed in which the antenna switch
could go into oscillation. This automatic switch was not incorporated into the final
Block I1 design.

The results of incidental modulation tests indicated that 2-percent amplitude

modulation (AM) of the 400-hertz spacecraft equipment power at a 35-hertz rate
caused IPM of the S-band carrier. This condition affected data and acquisition. The
maximum measured effect was approximately 5 decibels on acquisition of t h e c a r r i e r
by the USB equipment. This effect occurred for 50" peak IPM at frequencies above
200 hertz. The data degradation, in general, was approximately 1 decibel.These
r e s u l t s , as they pertain to the effect of IPM on the down link a r e , of course. applicable
to all s o u r c e s of IPM that appear on the down link. (Another source is high-gain an-
tenna vibrations. )

Several problems discovered during the Block I-E t e s t s w e r e s t i l l p r e s e n t . Many

of the problems and their solutions are listed in table V. Several problems, though
f i r s t noted on Block I, were applicable to Block I1 also.

TABLE v. - COMMAND AND SERVICE MODULE BLOCK I/MSFN

USB PROBLEM AREAS

-~-~- . - -

I
~ " ".i ~ ~ -. " . ~" I___

Problem Resolution
-".. . . "
.". ." . - . . .. L . "

Degradation of PCM telemetry was Block I - Uplink modulation indices

caused by turnaround of up-link were reduced.
channels.
Block I1 - Transponder TAR was
reduced.

System degradation was caused by poor F o r both Block I and Block 11, a much
regulation of the 400-Hz power supply, improved inverter system (effective
causing AM and PM in the modulator, on Apollo-Saturn 202) was designed by
the VCO, and the power amplifier. the contractor. Block I1 s y s t e m s a l s o
have regulated dc power supply.

Degradation of UDL a t low signal levels F o r Block 11, an improved diode-type

was caused by degraded up-link wideband phase detector was
signal- to- noise ratios. implemented.
-~
. -. . -. . " ~~~ . "r". . .. . ..

17
 TABLE V. - COMMAND AND SERVICE MODULE BLOCK I/MSFN

USB PROBLEM AREAS - Concluded

" .- . ~ - ~ ~ . - -~

Problem Resolution
-~- " . . - . .. . -

Degradation of the transponder (receiver) A low-pass filter for Block I and a p r e -

noise figure was caused by spurious s e l e c t o r f o r Block I1 were implemented
outputs of the power amplifier. by the contractor.

The signal margin was inadequate for the Personnel at GSFC redesigned the filter-
emergency key (assuming failure of demodulator system to achieve ac-
the power amplifiers and the high- ceptable performance.
gain antenna).

Degradation of UDL was caused by IAM Reduced up- link modulation indices mini-
of the ground SCO. mized this effect. Personnel at GSFC
initiated development of improved SCO.

A false lock occurred. Operational procedures were devised to

minimize the possibility of MSFN f a l s e
lock.Also,spacecraftand MSFN fil-
ters were redesigned.

Transponder dynamic tracking- loop New tracking-loop parameters (gain?

p a r a m e t e r s w e r e not compatible with
operational acquisition and loop track-
ing requirements.
bandwidth, and allowable static-phase
e r r o r ) w e r e s p e c i f i e d f o r Block 11.
Slower MSFN exciter sweep rates were
specified for Block I acquisition
procedures.

Data signal polarities were reversed Total system polarities were specified to
(PCM,UDL, T V , andPRN). all concerned; some MSFN hardware
wiring changes were also required.

Degradation of PCM telemetry was The specification to the spacecraft con-

caused by IPM in the spacecraft tractors was changed to limit total s y s -
system. tem IPM to 28" rms (less than 2-dB
telemetry degradation).
- - "~

Command and service

~ ~- module .~.
Block.- . - II/MSFN
. - - USB
" - gross compatibility
." . - .. . -
" ~
tests ~ ""

(A-5). - The CSM communications equipment, including the USB equipment and the
MSFN RER subsystems, entered testing in mid-June 1966, and the tests were com-
pleted in mid-July 1966. These tests were performed to determine whether any prob-
lem detected during the earlier tests (A-2) remained in the prototype equipment. The
test results revealed two m a j o r p r o b l e m s . F i r s t , t h e s p e c i f i e d b i t e r r o r r a t e ( B E R )
of 1 x could not be achieved when the MSFN receiver was tuned to the700-hertz

18
loop bandwidth, and the backup voice was phase modulated on t h e c a r r i e r with 1. 6-kbps
telemetry imposed on a 1.024-megahertz subcarrier. The specified BER could be
achieved when the receiver was tuned to the 50-hertz loop bandwidth.

Secondly, when the up-link carrier was phase modulated with the pseudorandom
noise (PRN) range code at 1.34 radians, the power in the received range code at the
MSFN site was s o strong that the correct ranging procedure could not be followed un-
less additional attenuation was incorporated into the MSFN ranging receiver design.
The available attenuation in the ranging receiver was 12 decibels, and test results in-
dicated that an additional 5-decibel attenuation was required. These problems are
summarized in table VI.

TABLE VI. - COMMAND AND SERVICE MODULE BLOCK II/MSFN USB

GROSS TEST PROBLEM AREAS

Problem Resolution

Block I1 PCM performance w a s degraded The specified BER could only be achieved
in the back-up voice mode with the when the 50-Hz receiver loop w a s
MSFN receiver tuned to the 700-Hz used.
loop bandwidth.

Block I1 PRN performance (dynamic An additional 5 dB of attenuation was in-

range of MSFN receiver to accommo-
date wide variation in PRN modulation
index) was inadequate.
corporated in the ranging receiver,
and new up-link modulation indices for
ranging modes were specified. Also,
MGC capability was added for the
MSFN r e c e i v e r .

Lunar module/MSFN USB gross compatibility tests (A-6). - The LM/MSFN USB
-
t e s t s began in mid-October 1966, and were completed during the first week of Decem-
b e r 1966. The tests were necessary to verify that the LM transceiver and the MSFN
RER subsystems were compatible with the system specification and with mission re-
quirements. Performance characteristics such a s BER, probability of c o r r e c t a c -
quisition, range-code acquisition time, TV picture quality, and voice quality were
observed and recorded. Several major anomalies were observed. These problems
are summarized in table VII. Many of the listed recommendations resulted in further
t e s t s , s o m e of which are discussed later in this report.

19
 TABLE VII. - LUNAR MODULE/MSFN USB GROSS TEST PROBLEM AREAS

Problem Resolution

Down-link voice quality (gross WI) t e s t s Selected redesign of the LM voice channe
indicated serious deficiency in the was accomplished to improve time
maximum downvoice intelligibility constants and linear dynamic range.
obtainable when space-suit noise was
simulated.Suspectedcauseswere
audio center automatic volume control
amplifier stages emphasizing the in-
put noise and high clipping levels in
the backup voice mode ( 2 4 dB
specified).

The ranging modulation index of 1. 34 ra-
dians required an i . f . attenuation of
16 dB in the MSFN range receiver.
The existing systems capability was
a maximum of 12 dB.
Attenuation in the MSFN range receiver
was increased. New up-linkmodula-
tion indices for PRN ranging modes
werespecified.Also, MGC capability
in the MSFN receiver was added.

False lock occurred in the transceiver The filter was redesigned.

under strong signal conditions
( g r e a t e r t h a n -70 dBm) for
Af = 90 kHzand df = 36 kHz/sec,
where Af is the range of frequency
change and df is t h e r a t e of fre-
quencychange. A suspected cause
was pushing effects as a r e s u l t of the
multiple pole predetection filter in the
c a r r i e r t r a c k i n g loop.

Backup voice mode (signal combination 4) Further investigation is continuing

degraded PCM telemetry performance (presently an operational constraint).
(1.6 kbps). The maximum BER capa-
bility when using the MSFN/RER
50-Hz carrier loop bandwidth was
4 x For
the 700-Hz c a r r i e r
loop bandwidth, the maximum BER
capability
was 1X A possible
cause was interference as a r e s u l t of
clipped voice spectrum.

A 28" r m s IPM of bandlimited noise 4 28" r m s l i m i t f o r I P M w a s s p e c i f i e d t o

300 to 800 Hz had a significant effect the contractor.
on the PCM BER (approximately 5-dB
degradation
at 1X BER).

20
4
 Apollo lunar surface experiments package/MSFN USB gross compatibility tests
(A-7).-5e-ATEP?mmGnTCaWeTuipFeiif anhii'symiiated M-SFN receiver-exciter
entered testing on December 1, 1966, and the work was completed December 22, 1966.
Because the MSFN USB system had not been implemented to transmit and receive
ALSEP frequencies, a USB system simulator (USBSS) designed to transmit and receive
CSM and LM frequencies was modified to transmit and receive the ALSEP frequencies.
Since the MSFN modification was not completely defined a t t h e t i m e t h eUSBSS was
modified, some assumptions were made to allow for the early implementation of the
ALSEP modification. The ALSEP equipment was also not operational but was a
"brassboard" model, electrically similar to the design concept.

T e s t r e s u l t s r e v e a l e d s e v e r a l p r o b l e m areas. First, the ALSEP receiver in-

verted the command phase-shift-keyed (PSK) signal(i. e. , logic " 1" and " 0") with
respect to the MSFN signal. Second, the telemetry channel performance was from
1.7 to 3.9 decibels lower than expected for a 1 X lom4e r r o r r a t e . T h i s p e r f o r m a n c e
was dependent upon the bit rate, the telemetry receiver filter, and the PCM station
configuration tested. A relative comparison of a telemetry channel BER test using the
ALSEP transmitter showed performance from 1.8 to 2. 6 decibels worse than the BER
t e s t r e s u l t s when another transmitter was used at the ALSEP frequency. Later tests
(February 20 to 24, 1967) on a production-model ALSEP transmitter showed perform-
ance close to that expected for PCM.

Additional ALSEP/MSFN compatibility and performance evaluation tests were

performed in January and February 1968. The purpose of t h e s e t e s t s was, as before.
to verify ALSEP/MSFN compatibility and to evaluate the performance levels and cir-
cuit margins for the ALSEP/MSFN communications system early in the manufacturing
process for the ALSEP equipment. These tests, however, were performed using a
production prototype ALSEP unit with the operational MSFN equipment. The tests
consisted of the evaluation of UDL (command) and telemetry link performance and in-
cluded the determination of rf interference effects between the ALSEP, the LM, and the
CSM/NASFN communications links. Test results indicated satisfactory performance for
the telemetry channel. No detrimental effects were noted during rf interference tests,
but two significant problems with the UDL performance were detected: a 3-decibel
degradation in ALSEP receiver noise figure, which affects threshold, and a polarity
inversion of the received signal, which occurred in the ALSEP receiver.

The polarity inversion problem could be resolved by inverting the polarity of the
transmitted ground signal; this solution, however, had to be implemented so as not to
make the ground signal incompatible with the LM and the CSM UDL. Therefore, the
GSFC personnel decided to utilize inverted PSK data to modulate the ALSEP up-link
carrier. Also, the ALSEP manufacturer has accepted a specification requirement that
each of the production ALSEP receivers provides the same polarity output signal for a
given input signal polarity. This modification does not. however, solve the noise-
figure problem, which is still being evaluated.

Apollo communications system "_tests (A-8). - The ACS

phase I compatibility
_ _ - _ _ ~ -
~

phase I (quick-look) compatibility tests were performed during February 1967. The
purpose of this test phase was to provide an early indicationof the level of compatibil-
ity and performance of a dual extravehicular astronaut communications system by using
the space-suit communicator (SSC)/LM/MSFN/CSM system in support of dual extra-
vehicular astronaut activity.

21
 The original Apollo Program requirement for lunar surface operations was for
one astronaut to explore the surface while the other stayed in the LM. The SSC s y s t e m
was developed to provide the communications capability for this original mode of opera-
tion. The SSC system provided for duplex voice between the extravehicular astronaut
and the LM a n d f o r the transmission of extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) biomedical
and status data to the LM. The LM system provided voice conference (among the ex-
travehicular astronaut, the LM crewman, and the MSFN) and provided the relay of
EMU data to the MSFN; the MSFN system could extend the voice conference to the
CSM through S-band. In February 1967, the operational plans began to evolve to the
"two extravehicular astronaut" procedure which was finally adopted. Because of this
change in the lunar surface operational procedure, this quick-look series of communi-
cations system tests was performed.

The configuration tested is illustrated in figure 4. The tests consisted of deter-

mining voice intelligibility, data quality, and TV/EMU data interference and included
an operational demonstration with astronauts manning the SSC and CSM test consoles
and the MSFN spacecraft communicator position. Test results indicated that system
voice performance did not meet the required 90-percent word intelligibility (WI) f o r
any condition tested. Loss of LM S-band up-link lock o r l o s s of the up-link voice sub-
carrier completely disrupted extravehicular-astronaut-to-extravehicular-astrorlaut

/ /
Monitor
and
record

Voice and / ' A

space-suit noise -"Voice and
space-sui1 noise
Extravehicular
astronaut 2
primary

/ /
Monitor
and
record ,/ Wnltor
"
LM and
S-band / record /
MHz 2282.5 1 + S-band
Signal cornblnallon 7
FMIPM mice 2101.8 MHz
FMIPM blomedlcal Slgnal combination 2
EMU - PCM'Phl'PM 1.6 kbps FMIPM mice
TM
, -- ---
,
-
,'I
f"""+

II
I
csh,,

L"""l.'
I
I
1
-~-------~
"
J
)
""""
r"""""""

1
"""""- + MSFN Voice

/ 'I /
Monitor Note: System designed for only one
and channel B ltransmissiord at
record
/ any one time

Figure 4. - Two-extravehicular-astronaut/'LM/MSFNcoinmunication mode.

22
communications. Also, voice conference was not possible if either extravehicular as-
tronaut transmitted E M U data, because this condition prohibited the other extravehicu-
lar astronaut from '?breakingin. ''

The E M U data channels performed satisfactorily, providing that the L M TV de-

viation did not exceed f l . 5 megahertz. Without the transmission of EMU data, voice
"break-in" was possible under careful procedure control. However, the demonstra-
tion was troubled by heterodyning and, as expected, by receiver tones caused by in-
teraction with the stronger of the two-extravehicular-astronautsignals.

The tests and the demonstration proved that the ACS could not support the new
two-extravehicular-astronaut requirement. Because this was a major problem, equip-
ment redesign and modification were initiated. (See description of t e s t B-6. ) This
effort led to the implementation of a voice subcarrier squelch for the LM S-band equip-
ment and to the development of the extravehicular communications system (EVCS) to
replace the SSC.

Apollo communications system phase I1 compatibility tests (A-9). - The ACS

phase If{.e%trav-ehiciEr astronadTBiock-II CSMTMFFNFtests were performed during
the period from March to September 1967. The purposes of the tests were to investi-
gate in more detail the performance of the extravehicular astronaut/CSM/MSFN portion
of the ACS tested in phase I and, in particular, to investigate possible operational
modes to be used during the Apollo 9 mission. Updata and upvoice channel performance
was found to be slightly better than indicated by Interface Control Document (ICD) cir-
cuit margins for most modes of operation. The command module (CM)-to-
extravehicular-astronaut vhf voice channel was found to have considerable distortion:
but WI was, nevertheless, close to the specified 90-percent level. Down-link telem-
etry channel performance w a s as predicted, but only after a premodulation processor
problem w a s identified. The problem was a r e s u l t of an inherent biphase modulation
process for the high bit rate (51.2 kbps) showing up as a decrease in modulation index
from the specified value whenever 51.2-kbps modulation of normal transition density
was applied to the subcarrier. This appeared to be a general CM problem. not limited
to the unit tested. Down-link phase modulation ( P M ) channel performance was accept-
able. No problems were noted on the frequency modulation (FM) down link f o r 1: 1 tape
playback: but the 32: 1 playback mode performance was. a s in previous tests, less than
d e s i r a b l e f o r both voice and telemetry. It was found that the 95-kilohertz scientific
d a t a s u b c a r r i e r w a s p r e s e n t within the transmitted spectrum of the 32: 1 playback voice:
as a r e s u l t , a 64-kilohertz postdetection filter was installed on the MSFN system to
clear up this problem. The extravehicular astronaut/CM/MSFN voice relay perform-
ance was good, although a high level of between-word interference was heard as a r e -
sult of extravehicular astronaut/biomedical data carrier interference. (See description
of t e s t s B-7 and C-19. ) The extravehicular astronaut/CM relay of biomedical data was
satisfactory. Television channel performance was acceptable, as was ranging channel
performance. Tests included investigation of modified (reduced) modulation indices
f o r up-link s u b c a r r i e r s as well as of specified indices. These reduced indices resulted
f r o m a t t e m p t s t o r e d u c e rf tracker problems discussed elsewhere in this report and
w e r e t e s t e d h e r e t o d e t e r m i n e t h e i r e f f e c t s on channel performance. The reduced in-
d i c e s w e r e found to be compatible with circuit margin requirements for the perform-
ance of the up-link channels.

23
 Command and service ~ - module/ARIA
. ._ . compatibility
-t-e s. t-s -(A- 10). - The CSM/ARIA
communications compatibility and performance evaluation tests were performed in
February and March 1968. Tests were performed jointly by representatives of MSC,
U. S. Air Force Eastern Test Range (ETR), and GSFC, using an ARIA a i r c r a f t on the
ground at Ellington Air Force Base connected to CM and simulated S-IVB communica-
tions equipment set up in temporary quarters adjacent to the aircraft. The purposes of
t h e s e t e s t s w e r e t o v e r i f yARIA/CSM USB compatibility and to evaluate the performance
levels and circuit margins for the CSM/ARIA USB communications system prior to
scheduled ARIA mission support. This test program also included tests to determine
S-IVB/ARIA telemetry link performance and to determine if any interference between
the S-IVB and CSM occurred at the ARIA receiver. The test program consisted of
voice tests (ARIA-to-CM and CM-to-ARIA), telemetry tests (CM-to-ARIA and S-IVB-
to-ARIA), and data-dump tests (recorded down-link information relayed to the MSFN
f r o m t h e ARIA after completion of active spacecraft coverage).

In general, the test results verified that systems compatibility and performance
were commensurate with mission communications support requirements. During data-
dump tests, however, the reconstructed PCM data from the ARIA r e c o r d e r w e r e
severely degraded when received at the MSFN. A different modulation technique, using
a subcarrier available from the tape recorder, improved the quality and was subse-
quently adopted. Other minor problems, such as phase-lock loop instability caused by
ARIA receiver crystal oven on-off cycling, were also resolved.

Apollo communications system phase I11 compatibility

~. __t e s t s (A- 11).- The ACS
phase Ill tests were designed to establish experimentally the actual performance limi-
tations and the communications quality of the operational LM communications links
prior to the first manned lunar landing mission. Included in these objectives was de-
sign verification of the redesigned (tests A-8 and B-6) EVCS production equipment
insofar as the equipment was part of the LM communications link. Primary interest
was in the voice channel performance between the LM and MSFN, and in the relay
modes with the EVCS.

The original schedule called for test initiation in December 1968 (calibration
tests) and completion of all t e s t s by July 1969. Several other priority tests associated
with the Apollo 11 and 12 missions. however, caused the schedule for the phase I11
test series to be extended through December 1969. These priority tests are discussed
in later paragraphs. All mission critical modes were nevertheless tested prior to the
Apollo 10 mission.

The phase I11 test series was divided into eight segments consisting of calibration
t e s t s ; UDL tests: PCM telemetry tests; voice performance tests; an EVCS electro-
cardiogram (EKG), EVCS pulse amplitude modulation (PAM), and LM hardline (H. L. )
biomedical tests; TV t e s t s ; a ranging test: and rf-acquisition tests. Calibration tests
a r e a continuing item, a portion being performed for each segment. The UDL, PCM
telemetry, voice performance, ranging, rf-acquisition, and EVCSPAM t e s t s a r e com-
plete. Television tests are complete, based on the new color TV system for the LM.
The UDL t e s t s , r u n f r o m D e c e m b e r 16,1968, to January 10, 1969, showed that the LM
UDL system performed within specifications and that performance was comparable to
the Block I1CM UDL system. Special investigation of the backup upvoice, however,
revealed some problems that were related to theLM commander microphone and side-
tone circuitry in the LM signal-processor assembly (SPA). The voice output level from

24
the 10-kilohertz channel was too low; therefore, the signal was routed through the LM
commander's microphone amplifier. This routing caused the backup upvoice to be
turned around and transmitted on the LM down-link wave channel, producing an echo
effect at MCC. Operational and hardware solutions were explored and several were
found acceptable; because of the delivery and launch schedules, however, operational
solutions (ground and spacecraft operator procedures) were recommended.

The telemetry tests were initiated on January 17, 1969, and, after several pri-
ority test interruptions, were completed on F e b r u a r y 29,1969. Results showed posi-
tive circuit margins in all cases except the baseband modes. Tests also showed that
the LM telemetry subcarrier amplitude is reduced somewhat (8 percent) when modulated
by the high-bit-rate data when it had a ''1-0" transition density; this in turn affects the
carrier modulation index and degrades overall performance by approximately 0.5 deci-
bel. Other activity is aimed at correcting these problems.

Voice performance tests were begun on March 5 and were completed in mid-
March 1969. Upvoice test results indicated positive lunar-distance performance mar-
gins for all voice up-link combinations for the omnidirectional antenna and the MSFN
85-foot-diameter antenna; however, onboard squelch operated at a total received power
that was 7 to 10 decibels stronger than the worst-case specified total received power.
indicating the possibility of p r e m a t u r e loss of up-link voice under certain conditions.
The squelch circuit can be switch deactivated, however. Down-link test results showed
negative performance margins with the LM steerable antenna for certain signal combi-
nations. The down-link relay voice test showed good performance for all modes of in-
t e r e s t . T h e EVCS receiver tests showed good performance except for the case of
EVCS- 1 to EVCS-2 where only 70 percent W 1 was noted, quite possibly caused by
EVCS-1 s u b c a r r i e r i n t e r f e r e n c e . T h e vhf signal received at the LM was satisfactory.

Down-link emergency-key tests also run at this time indicated satisfactory per-
formance for this communications mode. A 15-decibel discrepancy between predicied
and measured AM-key demodulator predetection signal-to-noise ratio was observed.
Investigation indicated that spurious response in the predetection filter. coupled with
a larger than specified noise bandwidth. raised the effective predetection noise power.

The EVCS EKG, EVCS PAM, and LM H. L. biomedical tests were performed
from April 1 to June 6, 1969. Results using flight-type hardware showed that system
performance was satisfactory and that all worst-case performance margins were
positive except for certain instances where the EKG and PAM a r e on down-link signal
combination 10 with the LM steerable antenna and MSFN 85-foot-diameter antenna in
use; these negative margins can be overcome, however, by u s e of the erectable an-
tenna or the MSFN 210-foot-diameter antenna.

Because of the change to color TV equipment, TV t e s t s are discussed in the fol-

lowing section as s e p a r a t e t e s t s , not p a r t of the planned phase 111 test series. Radio-
frequency-acquisition and ranging test results are still being evaluated.

Special Tests
The major special tests (designated "BfV) are aimed at verifying particular
channel compatibility and performance; at resolving real o r potential major problems

25
 ,

detected during the major tests, flights, o r analyses; o r at providing data o r p e r f o r m -

ance demonstrations to appropriate personnel for purposes of justifying changes, ob-
taining systems configuration approval, o r illustrating effects of special equipment and
conditions. These tests a r e discussed in chronological order in the following
paragraphs.

Additional S-band tests (B- 1).- The spacecraft equipment that underwent the ini-
tial Block I t e s t s ( s e r i e s A-1) entered roughly 5 weeks of additional testing in Septem-
b e r 1965. The primary purpose of these tests was to investigate several questions
identified from the results of the Block I-E USB tests and from specific analytical
studies performed by the MSC Communications System Analysis Branch. In general,
the equipment used during these tests was the Block I-E spacecraft system and an up-
dated MSFN RER s y s t e m ( s e r i a l n u m b e r 14). In some instances, the modified E-5
transponder which simulated a Block I1 unit (and which was used in the simulated
Block I1 tests, A-2) and three different 70-kilohertz UDL discriminators were used.
The specific questions which were to be answered by these tests, and the results of
t h e s e t e s t s , a r e s u m m a r i z e d i n t a b l e VIII.

TABLE VIII. - ADDITIONAL S-BAND TESTS

-._. -.- - -- .

-
Test

UDL
Purpose

Determine the cause of degraded

1 __
Results

Apparent degradation in the UDL

I -. -__ ." ."-

performance by investigating performance was found to be a

relative phase shift and 70-kHz
discriminator F M improvement.
Investigate slope difference in
S-band and baseband BER
curves,
" .. -
r e s u l t of degraded signal-to-
noise ratio in the UDL discrimi-
nator. The cause was not
identified. but areas for possi-
ble future investigation were
identified.Relativephaseshift
should be held to less than ? 10"
of the1-kHztone.Largerphase
shifts (25" to 30") did not appear
to degrade performance more
than 0. 5 dB, possibly as a r e -
sult of the impulsive-type noise
found in the discriminator out-
put. (Previous direct tests used
a Gaussian noise source. )
This problem was found to be r e -
lated directly to the signal-to-
noise ratio discrepancy discussed
previously.
" . .- ." ~ ""

26
 TABLE VIII. - ADDITIONAL S-BAND TESTS - Continued

" ". -~ . .._. "

Test Purpose Results

- "~ _ _ _ _ . ~ . . "" -- ~~ ..

UDL Perform S-band tests with worst- The effect of high IAM on link per-
case and best-case IAM up-link formancewasnoticeable.Lower
subcarrier oscillators, using a modulation indices, however,
GSFC-supplied 5-percent AM minimized the problem for
70-kHz SCO. Block I.
. ". ~- ." .
~~

PCM Determine PCM performance by Effects of weak up link were not

using predicted down-link signal observed when a constant 28-dB
levels as a function of up-link difference was maintained be-
signal level. tween up- link and down-link
rf levels, because the PCM
channel threshold occurred be-
fore the up-link carrier loop
threshold.
Determine the PCM degradation The PCM degradation was caused
caused by turnaround up-link by turnaround of up-link modula-
modulation by using reduced tion, using Block I turnaround
Block I up-link modulation in- ratios between 0. 5 to 1. 5 dB.
dices for maximum and mini- This was considered significant
mum values of TAR. if a marginal operational mode
was to be used for Block I.
" . . .. . _" ~
-

Upv oic e Determine if upvoice intelligibility A 2-dB improvement for 90-percent

could be improved by using pre- WI was obtained, at carrier
emphasis and clipping: and de- threshold, with 1 2 dB of clipping.
termine the amount of clipping Clipping of more than 1 2 dB did
desired. using original Block I not increase improvement. and
modulation indices. the 2-dB improvement was not
considered significant f o r planned
operationalmodes.However,
clipping did allow more consis-
tent setting of the upvoice modu-
lationindex.Duringtests,it
was observed that the Block I
audio center AGC action degraded
signal-to-noise ratio by about
5 dB at the 90-percent intelligi-
bility level. This should be con-
sidered in circuit margin
calculations.

27
 I1

TABLE VIII. - ADDITIONAL S-BAND TESTS - Concluded

" ~ ~~

Test Purpose Results

~-

Special Establish PCM performance range The IPM effects on BER increased
as a function of IPM. as the modulating frequency de-
creased.Thisdegradationbe-
came significant ( 2 dB) at P M
r a t e s of 50 Hz f o r a peak phase
deviation of 38".It also was
significant for PM rates of
2000 Hz a t a peak phase devia-
tion of 4 5 " . Bandlimited voice
degradation increased more
rapidly with increasing rms
phasedeviation.Theconclu-
sions drawn were that IPM in
e x c e s s of 28" r m s s h a p e d as
either a sine wave o r Gaussian
bandlimited noise significantly
degraded the 5 1.2-kbps
telemetry.
Verify effects of updata phase Tests confirmed that, when a
reversal. 180" phase change was made,
all messages were rejected.
~ ~-~ ~ " ." - - "

Special FM tests (B-2). - The special FM channel tests were conducted jointly
with GSFC from March 7 to 21, 1966, to investigate possible problem areas in the L M
and the Block I1 CM FM transmission links. The primary area of concern was that the
LM TV channel was ac-coupled; and, for a very-low-frequency video waveform, the
information was greatly distorted. Also, when the video was completely differentiated,
the transmitter peak-frequency deviation essentially doubled. Other areas of concern
included effects of frequency offset caused by oscillator drift and Doppler effects and
determination of the optimum FM demodulator configuration for critical FM modes.
Both LM and Block I1 CM FM operational modes were tested. The FM transmitter
used for this test was the transmitter associated with theUSB t e s t s e t ; t h e F M t r a n s -
mitter, which is a direct-coupled device, was used to simulate the LM t r a n s m i t t e r by
the incorporation of an external ac network.

To achieve the test objective, tests of TV picture quality? TV channel signal-to-

noise performance, PCM channel signal-to-noise performance, PCM BER, and split-
phase telemetry signal-to-noise performance and BER were tested. Results and
conclusions for both LM and CSM configurations are presented in table IX.

28
 TABLE M. - FREQUENCY MODULATION TEST RESULTS
" "
Lunar module configuration
" ~ " _ _ _ ____
_ ~
The 4-MHz prefiltered demodulator im-
proved TV channel performance in
the threshold region; however, nor-
mal operational mode (signal combi-
nation 10) picture quality and BER
(PCM 51.2 kbps real time) were not
significantly improved over the un-
filtered configuration when operating
a t t h e LM c a r r i e r c e n t e r f r e q u e n c y .
Offset frequencies of f 350 kHz had
little effect on TV channel perform-
ance for either the prefiltered o r
unfiltered demodulator configuration;
however, bit e r r o r r a t e s w e r e d e -
-4
graded in the region from l X 10 to
1 X by such
offset
frequencies
when the 4-MHz prefiltered demodu-
lator was used. (For s o m e c a s e s ,
degradation was more than for the
unfiltered demodulation configuration.)
For offset frequencies more represen-
tative of lunar operations (150 kHz).
the 4-MHz prefiltered demodulator
configuration indicated less degrada-
tion from the nominal center fre-
quency case than previously noted
and still provided improved perform-
ance over the unfiltered demodulator
configuration at all signal levels of
interest.
Components caused by intermodulation
of the 1.024- and 1. 25-MHz sub-
c a r r i e r (226 kHz o r multiples thereof)
did not appear in the demodulated TV
spectrum.
____ .. _.
Command and service module
configuration
~ - ~~
The dc restoration completely restored
all low-frequency video information
and did not adversely affect system
performance.
The 4-MHz prefiltered wide-loop de-
modulator configuration was seriously
degraded by carrier offset frequencies
Of -600 kHz.
The unfiltered narrow-loop performance
f o r t h e TV channel was essentially as
good as the 4-MHz prefiltered con-
figuration and considerably better for
carrier offset frequencies.
Acceptable picture quality was obtained
at signal-to-noise ratios into the TV
monitor which were less than re-
quired by the circuit margin ICD f o r
the Block I1 CSM.
The simulated split-phase telemetry
channel test results indicated that
improvement obtained by the 1-MHz
prefilter (approximately 6 dB) only
held true at the nominal c a r r i e r c e n -
ter frequency,
Channel performance was degraded (for
a 1-MHz prefiltered configuration)
when offset frequencies of 5 4 0 0 o r
? 500 kHz ( o r both) were simulated.
Channel performance for all demodu-
lator configurations including condi-
tions of f 500-kHz c a r r i e r o f f s e t
frequencies was apparently adequate
based on expected received signal
levels for 85-foot r e m o t e s i t e s with
cooled parametric amplifiers (assum-
ing no degradation of noise spectral
density as a r e s u l t of received signal
levels).
29
 TABLE M. - FREQUENCY MODULATION TEST RESULTS - Concluded

~ -~ ~ ~

Command and service module

Lunar module configuration
configuration
~"

Black-and-white patterns (low-frequency All demodulator configurations produced

video signals) could not be reproduced
bit e r r o rr a t e s of 1 X atreceived
by the LM TV channel when the low
rf signal levels weaker than the nominal
frame rate (0.625 frame/sec) system
expected received signal level from
was used without the aid of dc restora-
lunar distances. It was noted that
tion at the TV monitor. The dc re-
r e a l - t i m e PCM was used during all of
s t o r e r c o r r e c t e d f o r a completely
the split-phase telemetry BER tests,
differentiated signal, indicating that
and hence effects of the tape recorder
adequate performance could be ex-
w e r e not present in these data.
pected for low-frequency patterns by
using dc restoration.

Acceptable picture quality was obtained

at signal-to-noise ratios into the TV
monitor which were less than required
by the Block I1 circuit margin ICD.
This was thought to be a r e s u l t of the
Block I1 synchronization burst format
providing better monitor synchroniza-
tion at lower input signal-to-noise
ratios than when the synchronization
tip format (Block I) was used.
"

High-gain/steerable antenna static tests (B-3). - During 1967. s e v e r a l t e s t s w e r e

performed to determine s p a c e c r a f t m c o m p a t i b i l i t y with the spacecraft high-gain
(CM) o r s t e e r a b l e (LM) antenna in the link. These tests were performed by using
spacecraft electronics, including the antenna, located in the Antenna Test Range/
Anechoic Chamber Test Facility at IvISC. The MSFN USB RER equipment used for
t h e s e t e s t s was located in the ESTL at MSC. Communication between the MSFN equip-
ment and the spacecraft antenna/electronics was effected through a 16-foot-diameter
parabolic-dish antenna located on the roof of the ESCF and through a similar (although
smaller) antenna located on the roof of the Antenna Test Range/Anechoic Chamber Test
Facility. The distance between the antennas w a s approximately 1500 feet.

The LM steerable antenna compatibility tests were performed in three stages

during the spring of 1967. Initial tests that used specified spacecraft and MSFN
parameters and transmission modes were run in March 1967. Tests were essentially
static in nature; that is, no dynamic spacecraft motion was simulated. Results of
these tests revealed that position errors (pointing errors) of the L M steerable antenna
w e r e out of specification. Analysis of the problems indicated that the probable cause
was IPM on the S-band up-link carrier, which in turn was caused by IAM of the up-
voice subcarrier. Further testing confirmed this problem and indicated that upvoice

30
s u b c a r r i e r o s c i l l a t o r s (SCO) with reduced IAM improved tracker performance to within
specification; similar improvement was obtained by reduction of up-link c a r r i e r modu-
lation indices. Subcarrier deviation changes had no significant effects on t r a c k e r e r r o r
performance.

The CM high-gain antenna t e s t s were performed in November, using subcarriers

with improved AM characteristics and using both specified and reduced modulation in-
dices. Results were in agreement with t e s t s r u n with the LM steerable antenna and
showed that the reduced modulation indices and AM parameters allowed antenna per-
formance within specifications for the static conditions tested.

Frequency
~ - . .modulation
. . . demodulator
. . . .~~ threshold-extension
" . - . . ." tests - Study of
(B-4).
a n a l y s i s a n d t e s t i n g r e s d t s u pto the summer-of 1967 indicated conclusively that per-
formance of the Apollo CM communications system in the FM mode would be seriously
degraded under certain operational modes at lunar distances. Particularly, playback
telemetry and voice, as well as TV information, were expected to be poor. The iden-
tified reasons were the following:

1. The signal level arriving at the MSFN receiver was below the "threshold" of
the FM receiver-demodulator combination.

2. The performance of the MSFN FM demodulator. operating in the below-

threshold region, was less than specified.

Spacecraft transmit power was increased slightly by various means including

shortening of some cable lengths, but the effective increase was not sufficient; and it
w a s determined that the greatest improvement potential was on the MSFN. These
problems, and tentative conclusions, were presented to Major General Samuel P.
Phillips of NASA Headquarters at the Apollo Communications System Performance
presentation on September 25, 1967. Working with GSFC and the NASA Langley Re-
search Center. MSC personnel tested several techniques to achieve improvement. The
GSFC personnel supplied a revised procedure for detailed tuning and alinement of the
MSFNFM demodulator. After t h i s procedure was implemented. the demodulator was
placed in systems tests. A Lunar Orbiter-proven F M demodulator (with feedback) was
also tested for basic compatibility and performance, as w a s an in-house designed and
fabricated threshold-extension device (click eliminator). The retuned MSFN F M de-
modulator did not perform significantly better than it had before. The click-eliminator
tests indicated significant threshold extension ( 2 to 4 decibels) for voice and similar
results for telemetry and TV. The FM feedback (FMFB) demodulator results were
also quite encouraging and warranted further development.

Further effort during the ensuing 1 2 months resulted in tests during Septem-
b e r 1968 of five FM demodulators and of a refined click eliminator. The four demodu-
l a t o r s w e r e (1) the MSC MSFN demodulator, ( 2 ) a retuned and realined (by the Applied
Physics Laboratory (APL) at Johns Hopkins University) MSFN demodulator furnished
by GSFC, ( 3 ) a n MSFN demodulator modified by GSFC (to improve alinement proce-
dures), (4) a conventional demodulator furnished by GSFC, and (5) a modified (for
Apollo modes) Lunar Orbiter FMFB discriminator provided by MSC. T h e t e s t s w e r e
witnessed by GSFC personnel. None of the MSFN o r MSFN-type demodulators per-
formed as expected, with the possible exception of the APL-retuned unit. The conven-
tional unit also was disappointing. The FMFB demodulator showed significant

31
improvement but, in its existing state, was difficult to interface with the MSFN re-
ceiver. The click eliminator worked quite well.

Further effort by GSFC resulted in their contracting for new MSFN FM demodu-
lators. A prototype unit was brought to MSCby GSFC in early December 1968, along
with the APL-realined unit, to compare performance of these units with the MSC MSFN
demodulator for the specific purpose of determining the optimum unit to use on the
85-foot-diameter antenna sites for the Apollo 8 mission. The results of t h e s e t e s t s
clearly indicated that the new GSFC prototype unit was the best, and the unit was sub-
sequently used on the Apollo 8 mission. The MSC personnel supplied six click elimi-
nators (built in-house) to the three 85-foot-diameter antenna sites (one prime and one
backup) for the Apollo 8 mission, and these were installed and operational on one site
i n t i m e f o r t h e Apollo 8 mission with generally satisfactory results. During the last
week of March 1969, a production version of the new demodulator was loaned to the
ESTL for a series of tests involving the LM in a lunar surface (relay) FM configuration
and the CSM in various FM configurations. These tests used the Communications Sys-
tems Engineering Laboratory breadboard EVCS system throughout the program. In
general, the new demodulator showed significant improvement (4 to 6 decibels) in per-
f o r m a n c e f o r CSM voice-dump modes and increased performance for CSM slow-scan
TV. The LM signal combination 10 performance was deemed adequate to support the
lunar mission but was not significantly improved over the original demodulator system.
It should also be noted that good picture quality for the commercial TV signal format
was expected to require use of the JPL 210-foot-diameter antenna system. Because of
somewhat different characteristics of the new GSFC demodulator, the click-eliminator
effort is being continued to optimize its performance with these units.

Split-phase PCM tests (B-5). - In the preoperational period of LM development,

a serious potential problem in PCM channel performance was uncovered. The instru-
mentationloading and grounding scheme for ihe LM allowed the possibility of s e v e r a l
periods in the bit stream being without transitions as a r e s u l t of open o r floating
channels, with resultant pickup of electrical noise in the spacecraft. Lack of transi-
tions for extended periods of time (relative to frame length) could possibly cause the
ground telemetry processors to lose data. As a result, serious consideration was
being given to changing the PCM encoding on the down-link from nonreturn to zero-
level (NRZ-L) to split phase because a split-phase output was already being generated
in the LM for the LM-to-CM relay at 1.6 kbps. (This encoding scheme guarantees a
transition during each bit period. ) Because of these considerations, tests were per-
formed in the ESTL during December 1967 and January 1968 to determine the perform-
ance of the LM PCM channel when using split-phase encoding under simulated
operational conditions and to determine if any detrimental effects on downvoice and
ranging were present as a r e s u l t of this encoding.

Tests were performed to analyze both NRZ-L and split-phase PCM channel per-
formance using the existing LM SPA configuration and also using a simulated LM SPA
with the output bandwidth modified (widened) for split-phase operation. Results of
t e s t s with the existing SPA configuration indicated that split-phase performance was
poorer than NRZ-L performance by about 2 decibels and that the split-phase encoding
was more sensitive to ranging signal interference. The test results obtained by using
the modified SPA indicated that split phase performed slightly better than NRZ-L, prob-
ably as a r e s u l t of a more stable clock reference. An interesting result was that the
NRZ-L also performed better with the wider output bandwidth, indicating that the

32
existing SPA design was not optimized. Nevertheless, because of time and cost im-
pacts, the changes to split-phase encoding for the PCM channel were not approved, and
increased monitoring of channel loading for each LM was effected.

Unified S-band/EVCS system design verification tests(B- 6). - Extravehicular

communications system (two-extravehicular-astronaut mode),m/MSFN voice and
data relay communications compatibility and performance evaluation tests were per-
formed during April, May, and early June 1968. These tests were performed as a
r e s u l t of a new mission requirement for two-extravehicular-astronaut operation on the
lunar surface. The inability of the original Apollo extravehicular astronaut communi-
cations system to meet this requirement (test A-8) required that a new (redesigned)
s y s t e m be implemented. The new system, designated EVCS, was to be designed,
fabricated, and qualified with minimum impact (change) to the LM communications sys-
tem prior to the planned first lunar landing.

Major changes made to achieve the dual-EVCS system were (1) implementation
of an FM transmit link from EVCS-2 to EVCS- 1 f o r r e l a y of EVCS-2 voice and data to
the LM through EVCS- 1 in the primary mode of operation and ( 2 ) reduction of the num-
b e r of subcarriers (seven for the old case) to a total of four for dual-EVCS operation.
As a r e s u l t of the short period of time available for development and qualification of
the new system, major emphasis was placed on performing end-to-end rf system (dual
EVCS/LM/MSFN) design verification and performance evaluation tests. Of major con-
cern at the time (and also the specific objective of the test program) was the experi-
mental determination of minimum performance requirements f o r (1)the EVCS
subcarrier levels to be modulated onto the 1.25-megahertz subcarrier (the LM SPA
had been designed for seven subcarriers) and (2) the deviationof the 1.25-megahertz
s u b c a r r i e r on the S-band carrier. (Analysis of vendor acceptance test procedure (ATP)
data showed that, although within specification limits, all signal-processor assemblies
were performing at o r near the minimum (worst-case) deviation level. )

The TCSD constructed a dual-EVCS

system (engineering breadboard) which was
used along with a "special" LM SPA
(modified to provide the capability to ad-
just the EVCS subcarrier levels and, con-
sequently, the deviation of the
1.25-megahertz subcarrier) and existing
LM/MSFN systems in the ESTL. The
configuration tested is illustrated in fig-
u r e 5. Major results of the test were that LM vhf
lransce~vers
the EVCS minimum specified performance
f o r LM signal combination 10 (EVCS voice?
telemetry, portable life support system
(PLSS), EKG data, and TV) was unaccept-
SPA

5-band
I iBh
,,lIl
frequency t

ableandthatthisminimumspecifiedper- ,"~~:a",brtqnlr~~~-links,gnal A
formance could
be
improved to
an combinations IO and 7
acceptable level, as shown by test data, Baseband mice - down-link
signal
and
by increasing either the EVCS s u b c a r r i e r
Data display
levels o r the 1.25-megahertz subcarrier
deviation on t h e c a r r i e r .
Figure 5. - Design verification test of the
EVCS-LM-MSFN system.

33
 In an effort to prevent the necessity for modifications to the SPA,a review of
vendor ATP data related to the S-band modulator sensitivity was initiated. It w a s found
that, for most cases, the modulator sensitivity was near the "high" limit of the speci-
fication, a factor that compensates for the minimum 1.25-megahertz level output of the
SPA. Test results and related information presented to the CCB on June 14, 1968, re-
sulted in the decision "not to modify" the SPA, but to monitor ATP data to ensure that
a worst-case system would not be assembled (i. e . , a system which had three simul-
taneous conditions of (1)minimum deviation of the EVCS s u b c a r r i e r s onto the
1. 25-megahertz subcarrier, (2) minimum 1. 25-megahertz output from the SPA, and
( 3 ) minimum S-band modulator sensitivity).

T e s t r e s u l t s on the EVCS p e r f o r m a n c e f o r two extravehicular astronauts with LM

PM signal combination 7 (voice/H. L. biomedical/EMU data/l. 6-kbps telemetry) indi-
cated that the EVCS would not perform properly in the low-power signal combination -
the design configuration. The board agreed that all extravehicular astronaut activity
requiring this mode would be performed with the S-band power amplifier operating in
the high-power mode.

In addition to performing EVCS design verification tests during this time period,
an attempt was made to resolve the problem of low-bit-rate telemetry BER degradation
caused by baseband voice interference with the telemetry channel (occurs for signal
combinations 4 and 8). Test results were presented to the June 14 CCB, resulting in
the decision to accept momentary telemetry data dropouts during speech periods.

Apollo 9 mission voice demonstration (B-7). - An Apollo mission D (Apollo 9) sim-

u l a t i o l F a m G ? t e d ili the-E%TL-h.Jufie'2nd 3L1lv 1968, with participation bv the Drime
and backup crews for the Apollo 9 mission and the- p r i m e c r e w f o rthe- Apollo "10 mission.
This simulation was an effective demonstration of the complexity of switching and con-
trolling required to properly communicate in the communications system configuration
planned for the Apollo 9 mission. A system problem occurred when the CM was con-
figured to relay extravehicular astronaut voice and PLSS telemetry signals on the
S-band down link. The configuration involved a combination of duplex and simplex vhf,
which required the operation of both vhf r e c e i v e r s i n both the CM and the LM (a non-
standard configuration peculiar to the Apollo 9 spacecraft). During this configuration,
frequency mixing occurred in the CM vhf transceiver unit which caused a significant
i n c r e a s e in audio background interference at the ground station as a r e s u l t of beat fre-
quencies and harmonics of the PLSS telemetry subcarriers. When the CM vhf-A r e -
ceiver was not activated, the interference level was reduced to that normally expected;
however. in this configuration, the CM could not comlnunicate with the LM. It was ob-
served that the interference problem also adversely affected performance of the PLSS
telemetry channels. Resolution of the extravehicular astronaut voice and PLSS telem-
etry problem was achieved by later special testing. (See description of test C-19. )
The Apollo 9 CM vhf transceiver was modified to correct the frequency-mixing prob-
lem peculiar to the Apollo 9 config-uration.

Special
~ - "" - - . .8-mission
Apollo .- - .
""
tests
.- - . .
(B-8). - A s e r i e s of special tests was performed to
. - . . .. .. -
verify certain operational modes {including a nonstandard signal combination having
backup voice. low-bit-rate telemetry subcarrier. and ranging on the carrier) and pro-
cedures planned for the Apollo 8 mission. These tests were performed in November
and early December 1968. and involved evaluation of proposed MSFN ranging and ac-
quisition procedures and of performance of PM down-link mode 8 under expected

34
mission conditions. Test results indicated that the GSFC-proposed ranging and ac-
quisition procedures were acceptable, that down-link emergency-key channel perform-
ance was acceptable, but that up-link automatic gain control (AGC) key (not a normal
mode but evaluated at the request of the MSC Flight Support Division) copying was
limited to three words per minuteas a r e s u l t of slow onboard AGC and meter response.
Voice and telemetry tests indicated telemetry channel performance degradationof ap-
proximately 2 decibels when ranging was also on the carrier, indicating, as was ex-
pected, a n e e d f o r m o r e s t r i n g e n t c o n t r o lof omnidirectional antenna switching when
ranging was to be used. The baseband voice channel performance was affected very
little by the ranging code o r clock.

Lunar module color TV tests (B-9). - S e v e r a l t e s t s w e r e p e r f o r m e d f r o mMay to

August' 1969 to evaluate-possible useof the CM sequential color TV system (configured
to operate in a lunar surface environment) with the lunar module FM TV t r a n s m i s s i o n
channel. The two basic areas investigated were (1)performance of the color TV with
postdetection bandwidth limiting to prevent interference caused by the 1. 024-megahertz
(telemetry) and 1.25-megahertz (voice) subcarriers and ( 2 ) degradation (interference
effects, etc. ) of the PLSS/biomedical data and telemetry data caused by the color TV
modulation. Tests were performed as a function of total received power with various
premodulation and postdetection filters.

Test results indicated that TV postdetection filtering would be required to remove

the interference caused by the 1. 024- and 1.25-megahertz subcarriers. Premodulation
filtering at the LM was not necessary. The recommended postdetection filter was band-
limited to 900 kilohertz with resistor-capacitor (RC) characteristics. Other filters
were evaluated but have not been successfully demonstrated to date. The 900-kilohertz
filter used was 3 decibels down a t 320 kilohertz, 14 decibels down at 900 kilohertz, and
17 decibels down at 1.024 kilohertz.

It was also determined that the sequential color TV deviation could be increased
to a maximum of 1 . 6 megahertz with the telemetry, voice, EKG, and PAM channel
performance remaining approximately ( 1 decibel or less) equal to the case using slow-
scan black-and-white TV. Preemphasis was not recommended for the LM because of
additional degradation ( 1 to 2 decibels) to the EKG and PAM channels.

Tests also showed that the rf power margins for good-quality sequential color TV
are such that the MSFN 210-foot-diameter receiving antenna would be required if the
spacecraft steerable antenna was to be used. With the erectable antenna, an MSFN
85-foot-diameter antenna receiving station would provide adequate performance
margins.

Apollo
~.. .. .-
lunar
"_ - surface
. . -. -
experiments package
.
command ..anomaly
. .. ~. . ."
~
tests (B- 10). - The
" ~ ""

objective of the ALSEP command anomaly tests, which were performed in August 1969,
w a s to determine, by experimental means, the performance of the ALSEP command
channel under different MSFN-to-ALSEP up-link conditions. Of particular interest was
a determination a s to whether previously experienced problems could be repeated and
explained.

During checkout of the ALSEP at the manufacturer's facility, at the NASA John F.
Kennedy Space Center (KSC), and during the Apollo 11 mission (early Apollo scientific
experiments package (EASEP) operation), conditions which required special investigation

35
were experienced. One of the conditions was a command verification (CV) problem.
When the ALSEP received a valid up-link command, it sent a down-link verification of
the received command followed by an extraneous verificationof a 177 command (ap-
proximately one time for eight valid up-link commands). However, because the 177
command is not an allowable command, it was not executed by the ALSEP and caused
no harm. Cursory circuit analysis indicated that the CV- 177 condition discussed will
always produce a verified but unexecuted command. Another unexpected condition was
the receipt of a CV without an up-link carrier. The EASEP, left on the lunar surface
by the Apollo 11 crew, sent false verifications of nontransmitted commands at the rate
of approximately three per hour during periods when no up-link signal was present. In
addition, because ground testing performed with more than one up-link rf c a r r i e r
showed that false command verifications occurred, additional data concerning the ef-
fects of two simultaneous up-link rf carriers with several possible combinations of
modulation were needed. Therefore, tests to measure performance characteristics -
such as received carrier power, commands sent, commands verified, and commands
executed - were initiated.

For a single up link, operating near command threshold with all " 1's'' modulated
on t h e c a r r i e r , a random CV was received on the average of one each 1.7 seconds.
None of these commands w a s executed; but, given enough time, it is likely that an
execute would have occurred. F o r a single up link near command threshold with a
1-kilohertz sine wave modulated onto the carrier, random commands were executed
an average of one each 1.3 minutes, and an average of 1.4 random command verifica-
tions were received each second. The latter condition could result i f the 2-kilohertz
component of the PSK signal failed at a s i t e . If this were to happen and up-link modu-
lation were not removed quickly, several undesirable commands could be executed.

False verifications of 177 commands occurred after proper execution and verifi-
cation of a valid command, and the frequency of t h e s e o c c u r r e n c e s was approximately
one time in eight commands for normal down-link telemetry bit rate and one time in
16 commands for low bit rate. Even though this is an anomaly, it was not considered
a serious problem. For dual up link, the ALSEP was jammed for signal levels within
0.5 decibel of each other. It was found that there must be at least a 3-decibel differ-
ence in total received power between the two up-link signals to ensure execution of
commands sent on the stronger up link. For most dual-up-link conditions tested, it
was possible to have random commands executed. The rate at which this occurred
depended on relative PSK phasing and relative power levels. On the average for all
dual-up-link tests conducted, one random command was executed each 7 minutes.

With no up-link c a r r i e r , a test was run for a 10.5-hour period; and 23 random
command verifications were received. This was an average of one CV each 27 minutes
and agreed with the results obtained from the EASEP left on the lunar surface during
the Apollo 11 mission. None of these commands was executed; but t h e r e is unity
probability that, in some finite time, a random command would be executed. The time
required has been calculated to be approximately 1000 years per command execute.

A s a r e s u l t of t h e t e s t s , it was concluded that the execution of random commands

and the reception of random command verifications could occur under many different
conditions. The random command verifications could be confusing to an operator, and
the execution of random commands could cause loss of a one-time experiment capabil-
ity o r the interruption of data from an experiment package. Furthermore, probability
analysis has indicated that the occurrence of commands as noted previously agrees
closely with expected random occurrences based on coding structure of the command
words. Some of the commands that were randomly executed included such things as
the removing of dust covers and the arming and firing of grenades. In view of this, it
was recommended that crew safety considerations be reviewed to ensure that no danger
to an astronaut exists. If safety is deemed a problem. one possible solution is to com-
pletely deploy the ALSEP with power off and to activate the ALSEP only at the time the
c r e w is preparing to leave the lunar surface.

To minimize the likelihood of execution of random commands, it was recom-

mended that no more than one up-link signal be transmitted to the ALSEP at any one
time. It was further recommended that one up link be transmitted to the ALSEP at all
times the unit is activated (except during MSFN site-handover times) and that care be
taken to ensure that the total received power at the ALSEP remains well above thresh-
old. A signal level greater than -95 decibels referenced to 1 milliwatt (dBm) was
considered desirable.

Apollo Lunar Scientific Data System/MSFN design verification tests (B-11). -

Apollo-iunak"m%Fi6n tests -asTociat-eti-with.t h e evaiuat'ioii. of the i p a c e c r a f t 1 m S M )
configuration were performed in the ESTL. This configuration involved two modes of
operation. These were (1) real-time data modulation of t h e scientific data subcarriers
(95 kilohertz, 125 kilohertz, and 165 kilohertz) on S-band with no telemetry
(1.024-megahertz subcarrier) or baseband voice and ( 2 ) recorded scientific data modu-
lation mode with telemetry and baseband voice on S-band. To evaluate these configura-
tions, signal-to-noise ratio and BER t e s t s were performed in the ESTL. An initial
calibration test was performed to determine the levelof data modulation of the scien-
tific data subcarriers. In the real-time mode, a maximum frequency deviation of
i- 7. 5 percent of the subcarrier center frequency could be obtained. In the recorded
data mode, the level of subcarrier modulation was limited by the data storage equip-
ment (DSE) electronics. (Note: the recorder used w a s not the one planned for use
with the scientific data system. )

Test results showed that real-time data modulation of the scientific data sub-
c a r r i e r s ( 9 5 k i l o h e r t z , 125 kilohertz, and 165 kilohertz) w a s possible only when the
S-band transmission contained only the scientific data subcarriers: that is. the S-band
transmission excluded telemetry ( 1 . 024-megahertz subcarrier) and baseband voice.
The recorded data modulation of the scientific data subcarriers was apparently limited
(by DSE electronics) to a level which did not provide a frequency deviation of z 7. 5 p e r -
cent of the subcarrier center frequencies. Positive scientific subcarrier predetection
signal-to-noise margins were indicated for the real-time and tape modes.

Since the characteristics of the scientific data information were not fully known
a t t h e t i m e of t h e s e t e s t s , a conclusive performance test could not be performed on the
scientific subcarriers. The results of the tests performed in the ESTL, however, do
indicate that adequate performance can be expected for the usual typeof data
encountered.

Additional Apollo lunar mission systems tests were performed in the ESTL with
a simulated spacecraft 113 system configuration. The results indicated that the signal
performance was not adequate to support mission requirements. Based on t h e r e s u l t s
of these tests, the signal design has been changed to improve channel performance.

37
 Support Tests
The primary purpose of the support tests (designated 'lC1l) was,for the most
part, to obtain more information on specific problem areas identified o r suspected
within a channel, as opposed to overall channel o r overall systems performance eval-
uation. Some of the tests preceded major special tests or major test phases and were
intended to evaluate fixes to problems or to gain critical informationas soon as possi-
ble in the test series. Several of the support tests are discussed briefly, in chrono-
logical order, in the following paragraphs.

Gemini command processing- - - . .tests (C-1).

- - - ". -
"
- From March until August 1965, the
command equipment-(digital command system and down-range up link (DRUL)) and the
communications terminal (201A and R028) equipment of the ESTL were used in conjunc-
tion with the ESTL Univac 1218 computer to support test and operations of the MCC-
Houston (MCC-H) down-range command link (to ETR, Corpus Christi. and Bermuda).
The support was performed during prelaunch preparation and in real time during the
flights of Gemini 111. IV. V. and VI. The purpose was to provide monitoring of the
command data originating in the MCC-H and? after processing the data to check for
valid coding, bit dropout, and so forth, to return the results of this processing to a
teleprinter in the MCC-H. The testing included checkout of a program to do the task
and the fabrication of a high-speed data line buffer to interface the 201A equipment
with ESTL equipment. Subsequent to the Gemini VI mission. MCC-H developed an
internal capability to perform the effort: and the ESTL w a s released from this sup-
port requirement.

Manned Space Flight NetworK- - data PCMp r o- c e s s o r (MSFTP-1)

-I_ ~ - improper lock
and transition density tests IC-2). - Tests were performed in the ESTL during
April 1966 to deterln<iie"&Fperf%rmance of the CSM PCM data channel as a result of
the absence of the 40-bit guidance and navigation computer word in the PCM bit
s t r e a m . It had been established that periods of no transitions in the PCM wave train
could possibly extend to 54 bits during actual flight. Tests were performed with the
MSFTP-1 (serial number 19) in the test setup. An unexpected result of the tests, and
one which subsequently took up most of the time scheduled, indicated the possibility of
the PCM ground station maintaining improper frame-synchronization lock under con-
ditions in which the signal conditioner input signal-to-noise ratio was equal to or less
thanthatrequiredfor a 1 inBER, whentwo o r more"lockframes"werese-
lected and when a l-bit window was programed in the frame synchronizer.

The problem first appeared when the Univac 1218 computer was utilized to de-
termine BER as a check on the serial bit error detector (SBED) used in previous tests.
The Univac 1218 print-out indicated more errors than the SBED f o r a simultaneous
run. It thus became apparent that the data. which should have been inhibited from the
computer when frame synchronization was lost. were not being inhibited and that they
w e r e not being decommutated into the proper &bit groupings. Additional tests indi-
cated that the frame synchronizer was not losing lock even though circuit tests indi-
cated that correlation was occurring at the wrong time in the data. By further testing,
it was found that the improper lock was caused by an overlap of approximately 20 to
30 nanoseconds of control and timing pulses at the digital-to-analog control gate in the
decommutator. This condition was apparent when the bit-rate clock (as a result of
noise on the input to the signal conditioner) became a 1-bit period behind in phase with

38
the data. The GSFC personnel were notified of the problem and took corrective action
on the MSFTP-1. Transition density tests were inconclusive, as the SBED r e s u l t s
showed very little degradation caused by lack of transition for up to 54 bits, but effects
on the decommutation process were masked by the improper lock problem. (Later
tests on an MSFTP-2 PCM processor indicated no effects for lack of transitions of up
t o 200 bits. )

Goddard Space Flight Center aircraft transponder test (C-3). - On June 20 and 21,
1966, YheESTL, -at the-reqiiesf of GSFC personne1,"performedploratory t e s t s on a
CSM Block I-D model USB equipment package from one of the GSFC flyby a i r c r a f t . In
brief, the tests pointed out that one of the transponders performed within specification
when specified nominal power voltages were used in the ESTL and that the other trans-
ponder performed within specifications when nominal power was applied, except that the
turnaround ratio (TAR) for the PRN range code was too high. When applied power volt-
age was reduced to attainlow test-point voltage outputs (13. 5 volts dc) as experienced
in the aircraft, circuit margins and thresholds were adversely affected on both units.
The high-TAR transponder, in UDL tests, leveled off a t a PCM subbit e r r o r r a t e
(SBER) of 5 x whichcouldnotbeimproved. An inspectionandcheck of the air-
craft 400-hertz power supply indicated a problem in filtering of the three-phase power.
Shorting one of these filters raised the voltage at transponder 15-volt test points to
within specification. Normal transponder operation, except for t h e high TAR on one
unit, was then experienced in the aircraft environment.

Apollo UDB performance tests (C-4). - Special Apollo UDL quick-look tests were
perfornyed in-the-ES-TTtoLiniestigateUDB output distortion relative to the DRUL and
digital command system output (1- and 2-kilohertz composite). Representatives from
GSFC had reported the existence of this distortion and had indicated that the UDL p e r -
formance might be below the expected performance.

The specification for the UDB modulator (PSK) output was the same as for the
DRUL. The PSK waveform for all r t l c ~ ' 'and all r 7 0 7 ~wra's t h e s a m e a s f o r both the
UDB and the DRUL; however. the P S K waveforms were not the same for data transi-
tions. The UDB PSK signal was amplitude distorted when a "0" to ' I 1" transition
occurred. The SBER tests were performed as a function of received power with the
Block I1 UDL decoder to determine if UDL channel performance was degraded by this
distorted PSK signal. The specific tests performed were (1) SBER as a function of r e -
ceived power, (2) comparison of UDB and DRUL waveforms, and (3) comparison of UDB
and DRUL modulator alinement methods.

T h e r e s u l t s of the SBER as a function of received power tests indicated no degra-

dation in the UDL channel performance when using the UDB. It was noted, however,
that the DRUL had been in operation for some time and had been tested with several
different UDL decoders and that the DRUL performance was satisfactory with each UDL
decoder. Until the UDB was tested with other UDL decoders, such as the ALSEP com-
mand decoder, it was not considered practical to assume that its performance (under
the then current configuration) was completely satisfactory.

The unsymmetrical 2-kilohertz sine wave of the UDB appeared to be the result of
crosstalk from the l-kilohertz sine wave at the PSK summing point. Better isolation
in the summing network was judged capable of preventing this distortion of the

39
2-kilohertz sine wave. Thii would also improve the accuracy of the amplitude setting
and the zero-crossing alinement of the UDB modulator.

The UDB alinement method was not easily understood, but basically, the desig-
nated alinement procedure was to obtain the best PSK signal under steady-state condi-
tions (no transitions) with little concern for the independent relative amplitude and phase
relationship of the 1- and 2-kilohertz sine waves. The zero crossings of the DRUL s i n e
waves occur at the same point and were positive slopes as defined for a DRUL ' I 1'' bit.
The zero crossings of the UDB sine waves for a positive slope 2-kilohertz sine wave
and a negative slope l-kilohertz sine wave occurred approximately 100 microseconds
a p a r t . It appeared that the most desirable method for modulator alinement would be
with a scope presentation of both sine waves and not with one shorted to ground. It a l s o
appeared that the 1- and 2-kilohertz sine waves were enough out of phase that, when the
transition from "0" to " 1" occurred (180" phase shift), the transition occurred at some
point other than 180"; and this produced the distorted waveform.

While more extensive testing of the UDB was considered necessary, the basic
purpose of t h i s s e r i e s of t e s t s w a s satisfied; that is, the UDB performed satisfactorily
with the Block I1 UDL decoder, and the distorted PSK waveform did not degrade the
UDL channel performance. A s a r e s u l t of these and subsequent tests, GSFC personnel
issued changes to the UDB modulator to correct the situations noted previously.

Astronaut demonstration of two-extravehicular-astronaut

- ". " - - _ - communications
- __ -
(C-5).
During the later phases of the ACS phase I compatibility tests 7A-87, a demonstration of
the two-extravehicular-astronaut communicati6ns links- relayed to earth through the LM
was conducted for a group of astronauts on March 10, 1967. The SSC that was not
changed for two-extravehicular-astronaut conferencing was used. In general, the as-
tronauts' comments were that system performance was not satisfactory and that several
changes would be needed. This appraisal agreed, in general, with test results up to
that point.

Lunar CSM/MSFN voice configuration demonstration (C-6). - A demonstration was

performed w i t h t h - A ~ o l l o - l u n a r - ~ S M ~ M S F - N - v ~ i c e ~ c o n f i g u r a t i othe
n - iESTL
n on July 24.
1967,with attendeesincludingRobertR.Gilruth,Maxime A. Faget, Christopher C.
Kraft, John D. Hodge,George M. Low,andothers.Because LM equipment was not
available, the demonstration was performed with CSM spacecraft equipment only. The
general conclusion on the demonstration results, drawn from the comments of the
attendees, was that the system was satisfactory for its intended purpose.

Upvoice channel demonstration

"_"
"
(C-7). - A demonstration of the effects on the CSM
. - . .-
upvoice channel performance from loss of up-link lock o r of the up-link 30-kilohertz
subcarrier was performed during July 1967 for the MSC Astronaut Office. The stated
opinion of the astronaut representative was that the system could be used satisfactorily
in its current collfigu-ation, although noise present was undesirable, and a control had
to be adjusted to reduce it each time the up link or the 30-kilohertz SCO signal was
lost. (See description of test C- 18. )

Apollo Applications Program

-I_- - TV
" .. -
demonstration (C-8).
" ". "
- During late Septem-
" "

b e r 1967, a demonstration of commercial scan-rate TV through the CSM Block I1 FM

system and the MSFN equipment was conducted at a simulated range of 2000 miles to
test the T V capability planned for the Apollo Applications Program (AAP) (Skylab). The
results were favorable.

40
 Apollo 4 (AS-501) countdown demonstration test support (C-9). - During the
Apollo-4. C'ountdown-Dem%ns%ration.Test-(CDDT>n October 1967, the Merritt Island
Launch Area (MILA) S-band station and several other receiving sites at KSC experi-
enced fluctuating signals and asymmetrical sidebands, resulting in degraded PCM
telemetry at various times in the count. These stations were in a relatively poor area
of the spacecraft antenna pattern (between the two radiating elements). Since the JPL
station (number 71) was almost directly in the major lobe of one element, this station
was requested to examine the signal during the final terminal count. The report was
that the signal appeared excellent at all times. This tends to confirm that the problems
a t MILA and the other stations were caused by interfering signals radiating from both
antenna elements and reflections from other objects (multipath). An intensive investi-
gation was initiated to determine if any phase and amplitude differences between the two
radiating elements could cause telemetry degradation in flight (other than that indicated
in the composite antenna patterns).

Tests in the ESTL confirmed that the variations in signal spectrum could be
caused by the interferometer phenomena associated with radiation fromtwo s o u r c e s .
These tests also showed that telemetry reception could be degraded if the signal re-
ceived from one of the two s o u r c e s w a s not at least 6 decibels greater than the signal
received from the other source. A s a result, the JPL station w a s asked to support the
final countdown and launch phases.

Application of the test results to the high-apogee portion of the Apollo 4 mission
showed that the USB telemetry might be degraded near the end of the Carnarvon, Aus-
tralia (CRO), pass and for portions of the Guam pass as the antenna patterns were not
favorable at these times. Analysis was done to show that vhf telemetry coverage of the
final service propulsion system burn over the Guam station would be adequate during
those times when USB was expected to be poor.

Lunar
"." - module
- - . .- . . UDL verification
~ _I__ ""
tests (C-10). - A test w a s performed in the Com-
. .- . -
munications Systems Engineering Laboratory in January 1968 to verify, under condi-
tions of no thermal noise degradation, that the newly designed LM updata PSK
demodulator operation w a s compatible with the MSFN-remote-site- transmitted 1- and
2-kilohertz UDL signals. This was accomplished by using tapes especially recorded by
the MSFN remote sites (Bermuda, Texas, Hawaii, and CRO) for this test. and the L M
breadboard PSK demodulator. The tapes of updata transmissions were made in the
same manner as during an actual mission. As an additional check, two of the tapes
used were also decoded with a payload module decoder (PMD) similar to the CSM com-
mander decoder. Also, an additional tape, one of the AS-501 mission tapes from CRO,
was used.

All the tapes were successfully demodulated and decoded. The CRO test tape.
however, contained inverted data which were successfully demodulated when the inter-
face lines to the demodulator were inverted. It was concluded from this test that no
inherent compatibility problems between the MSFN-transmitted UDL signals and the
LM PSK demodulator would be encountered.

More detailed tests (effects of phase shift, sensitivity, etc., on demodulation) in

the Communications Systems Engineering Laboratory also confirmed probable accept-
ability of the PSK demodulator design. These tests were run in late winter 1968.

41
 Extravehicular astronaut/LM/
MSFN/MCC-H voice demons3rationtest
(C-11). - At t h e r e q z t - o f F O D , a test to
exercise
from
link
voice
entire
the a sim- Simulated
ulated lunar distance to the MCC-H was
conducted in May 1968 to verify that ac-
ceptable voice communications could be
received at the MCC-H when an astronaut
had traveled one-half mile from the LM ____ -.\
on the lunar surface. The MSFN equip-
ment output recordings of downvoice w e r e
made in the ESTL with suited astronauts
talking into the SSC (old extravehicular
astronaut) equipment through the LM to
the MSFN. Selected portions of these
MSFN-recorded voice tapes were for-
warded to the MSFN site a t CRO and re-
layed from CRO to the MCC-H by way of
a communications satellite and commer- Earth
cial land lines (fig. 6).
The resultant voice signals re-
ceived at the MCC-H and monitored on the
intercommunicationsloopswerevery .
good.Subsequent analysis indicated that
the voice intelligibility through the com- Figure 6 . - Extravehicular astronaut/LM/
plete
systemfrom
the
extravehicular1 MSFN/MCC-H voice paths.
astronaut to theMCC-H w a s i n e x c e s s of
90 percent. This was achieved with a minimum down-link received carrier power of
-99.8 dBm (85-foot-diameter dish antenna configuration).

Mission Control Center-Houston EVCS EKG display performance test (C-12). -

At t h e r e q u e s t of the MSC Medical Research and Operations Office, a t e s t to determine
MCC-H-displayed EKG acceptability for real-time clinical analysis was conducted. To
conduct the test, the ESTL was configured to simulate various lunar-distance trans-
mission modes f o r the EVCS through the LM to the MSFN transmission levels. The
EKG s o u r c e w a s a live subject. The MSFN-received EKG was remodulated on an
Inter-Range Instrumentation Group (IRIG) subcarrier and mixed with other IRIG sub-
c a r r i e r s t o f o r ma composite signal in such a way as to simulate fully the signal nor-
mally relayed from the remote sites to the MCC-H. This composite was recorded on
magnetic tape and replayed into the MCC-H system. The EKG display equipment in
the MCC-H performed very well and met requirements for clinical analysis as defined
by the Medical Research and Operations Office. All strip-chart recordings exceeded
minimum requirements for "R" wave interval detection under all test conditions.

Simulated voice spectrum (C- 13).- During May 1968, calibrations were made on
the relationship of USB modulation index caused by voice to the modulation index
caused by a sine-wave input. The calculations agreed with test results for signal com-
bination 8 but fell down for signal combination 4, indicating that precise LM processing
characteristics had to be known. The calculations were thus abandoned, and a simu-
lated voice spectrum was developed by the Audio Techniques and Evaluation Laboratory

42
f o r poss!.':la application in setting and measuring the mode indices. The spectrum was
produced 'by using a noise source and band-pass filters. The peak-to-rms ratio of the
simulated spectrum was measured and comparedwith the peak-to-rms ratio of the
t h r e e s e p a r a t e s p e a k e r s on the "top dog" WI test tapes. The peak-to-rms ratio
(15.2 decibels) compared favorably (within 0.133 decibel) with the average of the three
speakers.

Goddard Space Flight Center linear phase detector tests (C-14). - T e s t s with a
GSFC linearphase ~&<cto~-w~e initiated-on-July-23r19-68,
in an effort to improve the
down-link modes (both LM and CM) that have 1.6-kbps telemetry on the 1.024-megahertz
subcarrier and backup voice at baseband on the carrier. Previous test results showed
that the telemetry data were severely degraded when voice was present. The tests were
terminated on July 25, 1968. Test results indicated that the GSFC linear phase detec-
t o r was performing approximately 7 to 8 decibels worse than the normal MSFN
coriixGratioii aacl also experienced similar telemetry channel degradation when the
carrier was modulated with baseband voice.

Apollo 7 prelaunch test support (C- 15). - During prelaunch testing of Apollo 7
equipment at KSC? problems with MSFN-received vhf voice quality and with spurs on
the S-band down link (causing false receiver lock) were noted. An intensive series of
tests was performed in the ESTL in cooperation with GSFC to investigate these prob-
lems. It was found that the MSFN-received vhf voice-quality problem was probably
caused by improper alinement and tuning of the vhf receivers. The S-band down-link
spur problem w a s found to be resolvable by limiting the sweep amplitude of the ground
station to + 37 kilohertz to avoid acquiring the spurs. Both solutions were coordinated
with GSFC, which issued appropriate instructions to the MSFN.

Lunar mission TV sinlulation test (C-16). - A lunar mission TV simulation test

w a s successfullycompleted on September 5. 1968. Forthistest. a Block I1 cam-
era,locatednear a LM mockupat MSC. w a s interfacedwiththeESTLandthe
signalplayedthroughthe LM to MSFNequipment.scanconverted.andthentrans-
mitted to the MSC T V Switching Center for recording. Satisfactory performance was
obtained for all conditions except when the high-resolution format was used. No suc-
c e s s was obtained in transmitting the high-resolution video to the ESTL and monitor-
ing synchronization with the slow-scan nlonitor. (The camera used for the test was
modified to eliminate every other line in the 1200-line, high-resolution format.)

Updata buffer engineering instruction installation (C-17). - During October 1968,

GSFC personnel visited the ESTLto install an Engineering Instruction (EI) (num-
ber 3046) in the UDB prior to implementing it on the network. The reason for this was
that the E1 was f o r new modulators and demodulators in the UDB, and GSFC personnel
wanted to check the E1 against actual spacecraft equipment. (See description of
t e s t C-4. ) The installation and checkout were successful, but no compatibility tests
could be run because the spacecraft equipment was unavailable at the time. In later
tests, the modification was found desirable but not absolutely necessary - that is. it
improved circuit margins slightly, but these were already acceptable.

Command and service module S-band up-link squelch control tests (C-18). - T e s t s
on the L M up-link voice squelch were performed in August 1968 to providedata t.hat

43
 could be related to a CM squelch proposal. Preliminary evaluation of earlier test re-
sults indicated that the squelch was not as sensitive as required. Tests showed, how-
ever, that the squelch circuit did not degrade signal performance. These tests
indicated that WI was on t h e o r d e r of 95 percent at squelch threshold and thatWI re-
duced to about 80 p e r c e n t a t 3 decibels below threshold. The squelch action exhibited
a gradual decrease in output noise level with decreasing received signal strength after
squelch operation, rather than exhibiting an instantaneous squelch of noise. The
squelch point had very little hysteresis; that is, the squelch point remained essentially
the same whether approached from strong signal (above threshold) or weak signal
(below threshold). Preliminary evaluation indicated that the squelch is, in general,
acceptable. October 1968 tests on actual CSM squelch circuitry indicated operation as
desired; however, the rf level at which the squelch operated did not appear optimized.
A squelch-disable switch is available, however, to avoid premature loss of the voice
signal.

Postdetection audio filter tests (C-

____ ""_
~
19).- The inclusion of the extravehicular as-
tronaut conlmunications equipment on the Apollo 9 mission and on all lunar missions
caused some concern as to MSFN-received voice quality when the astronauts were on
the lunar surface o r in any extravehicular astronaut activity. This concern resulted
from an examination of ESTL test results by the Audio Techniques and Evaluation
Laboratory which showed biomedical subcarrier interference with voice at the MSFN
because some of t h e s u b c a r r i e r s w e r e low enough in frequency to appear at the audio
discriminator. A s e r i e s of developmental tests was run in the Audio Techniques and
Evaluation Laboratory during January 1969 for determining an optimized filter to re-
move these unwanted components; and, as a r e s u l t , a 2. 5-kilohertz low-pass filter
was decided upon. Subsequent tests in the ESTL confirmed satisfactory voice recep-
tion with the filter in place, and the GSFC personnel 'were notified of the results.

Manned Space Flight Network voice-operated gain-adjusting ampliiier test

( C- 20).-nplanmimplementavoiceeich~~~~~e; Talled-a voice-operated-gain-
adjusting amplifier (VOGAA-I), on a l l MSFN sites prior to the F mission (Apollo 10)
was discussed at the Apollo F and G Mission Communications Status Review meeting
held at MSC in the spring of 1969. As all parties concerned were not thoroughly
familiar with this device, the MSC personnel were requested to test the device in a
representative Apollo configuration to determine its performance characteristics.
T e s t s in the Audio Techniques and Evaluation Laboratory were initiated to answer this
request. Results showed that the VOGAA would inhibit all speech if the instantaneous
peaks were not more than 6 decibels above the ambient noise level. Also, interfering
tone amplitudes within 15 decibels of speech peaks would cause syllable and word drop-
outs. Interfering tone amplitudes equal to, or in excess of, speech peaks would inhibit
speech. In some transmission modes, it appeared necessary to bypass the VOGAA al-
together. The GSFC personnel were informed of these characteristics. and MSC
Flight Control Division and Flight Support Division personnel witnessed demonstrations
of the unit for familiarization with these effects.

As a r e s u l t of the previous findings and because of still less than optimum per-
formance during the Apollo 10 mission, a task was initiated in the Audio Techniques
and Evaluation Laboratory to develop modifications that would eliminate or reduce the
undesirable VOGAA operating characteristics. A s a r e s u l t of this task, a 560-hertz
center-frequency (standard telemetry) filter with a 3-decibel band pass of 84 h e r t z was
installed at the input to the detector circuit. Also, the maximum release time of the
VOGAA w a s increased from 750 to 1190 milliseconds.

44
 After these modifications were made. the VOGAA was subjected to all of the
tests previously performed on the unmodified VOGAA. These tests indicated that the
modified VOGAA had less word dropouts for speech-to-noise ratios less than 6 deci-
bels, that it was not subject to tones outside its 500- to 600-hertz detector band pass,
and that it minimized the "crashing" effects produced by the VOGAA when i t t r i g g e r s
011 receiver impulse noise.

It should be noted that the band-pass filter caused certain words to be lost if
good-quality laboratory speech was used a s a n input. However, the VOGAA modifica-
tions were designed for optimum performance with Apollo speech. The speech proc-
essing of the Apollo microphones and communications system ensures - based on
power spectral density analysis - that sufficient speech power will be available in the
f i l t e r band pass. In tests, word dropouts were not a problem when MSFN-recorded
Apollo down-link voice was used a s an input. These changes to the VOGAA have not
been implemented 011 the MSFN; however. further development is expected.

Apollo 10 color TV tests (C-21). - A test was accomplished May 9, 1969, in the
ESTL by-iIshgtlie fisTit-coi& TV camera working through the CSM./MSFN system, in-
cluding both the old FM demodulator and the new demodulator. The test was quite suc-
cessful, with no evidence of the clipping of white-level signals which had been evident
on a KSC-MILA test on May 6. 1969. A simulated TV signal (color bar). originating
at the Goldstone 210-foot-diameter antenna station, was observed at MSC on May 13.
1969. and appeared to be satisfactory at approximately the expected signal levels.

SIGNIFICANT RESULTS

A s evidenced by the foregoing. there have been many significant results from the
ESTP in t e r m s of "revelations" regarding system performance. While not wholly unex-
pected based on systems analysis, these results pointed out some deficiencies in prior
theoretical work and. empirically, defined these deficiencies in a quantitative manner,
often providing information for updating system mathematical models. In particular.
the effects of intermodulation. cross modulation, incidental modulation ( A M and P M ) .
and noise-figure constants (and other phenomena and parameters) were determined on
a s y s t e m b a s i s . A s the systems investigated were among the first to utilize coherent
up l i ~ l k sand down links with several modulation components 011 each. the significance
of s o m e of the findings cannot be overemphasized in t e r m s of gaining an understanding
of all the interrelationships involved. For example, the content of the up-link modula-
tion was expected to have some effect on the down link; the full effect was, however,
not apparent until tests were run under various system configurations. A few specific
examples will be discussed in this section. Perhaps of prime significance, however,
i n t e r m s of ESTP results, was the developnlent of a test team and a laboratory which
a r e unexcelled anywhere in the country. This team and laboratory represent a highly
responsive test capability for the resolution of anomalies which develop during count-
downs o r missions. for demonstration (to management, to the mission operations team,
and to the flight crew) of the actual performance to be expected of the communications
system during any mission, and for verification, experimentally. of design modifica-
tions prior to finalization of change decisions. These developments are significant be-
cause, in the process of creating a capability for and an understanding of the state of
the art, the state of t h e a r t of communications testing has been advanced. The

45
techniques and knowledge developed are applicable not only to the Apollo Program and
to future manned space-flight programs, but to any communications system of the
present or future. Because of the extensive effort put into each test to ensure that all
systems performance requirements were met, even results indicating "no problems''
can be considered significant (e. g . , a large amount of data to verify analysis, empiri-
cal data to complement analysis, intimate knowledge of systems capability and limita-
tions, and an extensive store of information on data quality capability). A discussion
of significant results based on t h e s e c r i t e r i a would then, necessarily, be a repeat of
the previous section. Therefore, for purposes of this section, significant results are
defined as those having direct and long-range (lunar mission) effect on overall system
design or those which resolved an immediate problem related to continuance of a count-
down o r a mission. With these criteria in mind, the following discussion presents the
most, not necessarily all, significant results of the ESTP.

Command and Service Module Block I-E Test (A-1) Results

A very significant result of the CSM Block I-E tests was the determination that
up-link modulation (up-link subcarriers) could not be switched (be turned off if on, o r
on if off) during range-code acquisition if ranging was to be obtained in any reasonable
length of time, because the ranging subsystem would reset each time this happened.
This effect was, of course, extremely critical for earth-orbit Block I flights, but was
applicable also to Block I1 flights while in parking orbit and, to a lesser extent, later
in the mission. A s a result, the ranging procedures in the Network Operations Direc-
tive and other mission documents were modified to account for this effect. Also signifi-
cant was the greater understanding obtained of the degradation of down-link performance
caused by turned-around up-link modulation appearing on the down link, and a quantita-
tive determination of two major methods of correcting this problem: reduce up-link
c a r r i e r modulation indices and reduce transponder TAR. In addition, the discovery
that up-link voice was turned around in the audio center because of crosstalk and was
fed directly into the down link enabled an early remedy for Block I1 systems. The tests
also delineated the various points in the system at which updata polarity could be in-
verted and pointed out the necessity for strict control over configuration of this link
f o r all spacecraft.

While not directly significant to lunar missions under the ground rules established
previously, the detection and resultant correction of the receiver degradation caused by
power amplifier harmonics did allow successful performance of the communications
system during the early development flights which used Block I equipment.

Command and Service Module Block I I (Simulated) Test (A-2) Results

The CSM Block I1 tests were, essentially, design verification tests and, as a re-
sult, had significant impact on the total design, including the less important character-
i s t i c s of the CSM Block I1 communications system. Carrier-acquisition difficulties, a
significant problem from an operational sense, were traced to less than optimum filter
design in both spacecraft and MSFN receiver phase-lock loops; correction included fil-
ter redesign and a constraint on operations that prohibits any modulation on the up link
during spacecraft carrier acquisition since time did not permit further optimization of

46
f
.i
'
the system. Also, poor emergency-key performance was noted and, as a result, the
detection circuitry for this signal was redesigned at GSFCand was thereby made ac-
ceptable for all operational conditions expected.

Saturn I V B CCS Test (A-3) Results

Perhaps the most significant result of the S-IVB CCS t e s t s w a s a demonstration
that the ESTP can support other NASA Centers and produce meaningful results which
are acted upon in a positive manner by the supported Center. Two significant prob-
lems, degradation of down-link telemetry by up-link modulation and transponder power-
supply-generated spurious signals, were detected; hardware changes were implemented
by MSFC personnel to correct the problems.

Command and Service Module Block I-D Test (A-4) Results

Many of the problems noted during the CSM Block I-D t e s t s w e r e t h e s a m e as
those noted during the Block I-E tests because the D units had not been completely re-
worked to resolve all difficulties discovered. A significant new result was the deter-
mination of maximum allowable down-link IPM as a r e s u l t of all causes. This value
( 2 8 " rms) was then specified for all future hardware. Degradation of UDL perform-
ance at low signal levels (not a Block I problem) had resulted in the implementation of
an improved detector for the Block I1 configuration. It was determined also that the
transponder dynamic tracking-loop parameters were not compatible with operational
acquisition and tracking requirements; as a result, hardware gains, bandwidths, and
allowable static-phase errors were specified for Block I1 equipment. Reduced sweep
rates were scheduled for Block I acquisition procedures.

Command and Service Module Block I I Gross Test (A-5) Results

Significant results from the brief CSM Block I1 g r o s s t e s t s ( A - 5 ) were the opera-
tional configuration change from a 700- to a 50-hertz receiver loop bandwidth for the
1. 6-kbps t e l e m e t r y t o c o r r e c t a degradation in performance when backup downvoice
was present, and the increase of available attenuation in the M S F N ranging receiver
as well as addition of manual gain control (MGC) and a change in up-link modulation
indices to allow correct ranging procedures to be used. The latter change also re-
duced to acceptable levels the UDL degradation caused by IAM on the ground SCO.

Lunar Module Gross Test (A-6) Results

The LM gross tests (A-6) were the first real t e s t s of L M equipment with the
MSFN system and included LM preproduction prototype hardware. A major problem,
very poor intelligibility of the downvoice channel when space-suit noise was simulated,
resulted in redesign of portions of the LM voice channel but also caused a change in
test procedures which had long-range implications applicable to all future testing. A
series of standard test tapes more representative of the actual Block I1 suit environ-
ment was made (speaker recorded from inside a typical suit which had airflow and
pressures typical of operational conditions), and a standard for voice intelligibility
rating was established.

47
 The theoretical required numbers of word samples and listeners were determined
to achieve an accuracy of at least 90 percent (with 95-percent confidence) for intelligi-
bility ratings. Also, high-quality tape recordings were made by using acoustical isola-
tion for the speaker and balanced audio cabling. Other problems noted were similar to
those detected during CSM Block I and Block I1 tests and were significant in that they
demonstrated the repeatability of the test approach and also the wide applicability of
results to similar systems.

Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package

Gross Test (A-7) Results
Perhaps the most significant result of the ALSEP tests was the effect of a prob-
l e m on the overall ALSEP effort. An updata phase-inversion problem which was r e -
c u r r e n t in testing the ALSEP during various stages of its development sparked
considerable discussion between personnel from two NASA Centers and between per-
sonnel from MSC and its contractors as to the resolution of the problem. In the end,
the ESTP ALSEP results were the mediating "hard" evidence that resolved the prob-
lem to the satisfaction of all concerned.

Apollo Communications System Phase I

Test (A-8) Results
The most significant outcome of the ACS phase I t e s t was the determination of
quantitative requirements for redesign of the extravehicular astronaut electronic pack-
age to enable the two extravehicular astronauts to converse with each other and with the
ground. The SSC s y s t e m s t e s t e d w e r e not capable of meeting these requirements a s
designed. The redesigned units underwent design verification testing in the ESTL in
the spring of 1968, thereby providing continuity in the performance evaluation and sup-
port of two-extravehicular-astronaut requirements. (Also s e e r e s u l t s of B-6 t e s t s . )

Apollo Communications System Phase I I Test (A-9) Results

Problems noted in the ACS phase I1 tests were the reduction of c a r r i e r modula-
tion index when 51.2-kbps data were modulated on the 1. 024-megahertz subcarrier,
the biomedical data interference with extravehicular astronaut voice, and the scientific
d a t a s u b c a r r i e r i n t e r f e r e n c e with 32: 1 playback voice. The first problem was simply
recognized as inherent to the CM and was accounted for in predicting mission perform-
ance and constraints. The second and third problems resulted in filter design efforts
which, in turn! resulted in a s e t of specific filter characteristics for insertion in the
MSFN.

Apollo Range I nstrumentation Aircraft

Test (A-10) Results
The most important result of the ARIA tests was the establishment of a precedent
in not only inter-Center but also inter-Agency (NASA Department of Defense/U. S. A i r
Force) cooperation on all levels to determine compatibility of a subsystem with other

48
! portions of an overall communications system. In addition, the data and resulting anal-
ysis provided more detailed information on the ARIA communications support capability
than had been obtained before o r after these tests. The successful and cooperative
tests were significant in that ARIA communications capabilities and limitations were
defined for the use of all parties involved.

Apollo Com.munications System Phase I I I

Test (A-11) Results
Results of the ACS phase I11 tests showed that all lunar landing mission critical
parameters were generally acceptable. Some minor problems were resolved by
changes to ground and spacecraft operating procedures. All results have not been fully
analyzed, and some unsatisfactory (but tolerable) conditions are still being investigated.
As noted, however, mission critical parameters were investigated and resolved prior
to the first lunar landing, at least to the point of knowing the operational constraints
required. Verification of no danger to crew safety was achieved.

Additional S-Band Test (B-1) Results

The most significant results of the additional (B-1) S-band tests were the obtain-
ing of a quantitative understanding of the effects of a wide range of 1- and 2-kilohertz
relative phase shifts on the UDL performance and of the effects of i n c i d e n t a l c a r r i e r
phase modulation on PCM BER f o r a wide range of modulating frequencies and carrier
phase deviations. These results were extremely helpful in analysis of later problems
and in the design of the LM and ALSEP updata links.

Special FM Test (B-2) Results

For the overall program. the most significant result of the special FM tests was
the understanding of the requirements and the operational expectations for the L M
black-and-white TV used on the first lunar landing. The change to color TV. effected
3 years later, negated the significance of the other test efforts insofar as t h e c r i t e r i a
for significance in this report are concerned. Future applicability is possible. how-
ever, depending on space exploration TV requirements now being decided, particularly
in relation to slow-scan, high-resolution TV.

Antenna Static Test (B-3) Results

The antenna static tests led to reduced up-link subcarrier modulation indices for
the MSFN. The new indices caused less IAM (which showed up as I P M on t h e c a r r i e r )
and thereby improved the performance of the high-gain (CSM) and steerable (LM) an-
tennas by putting less perturbations on the carrier, which is used by the antenna elec-
tronics for antenna pointing, Test results also indicated that redesigned up-link
subcarrier oscillators having less inherent IAM properties would help resolve this
problem.

49
 Frequency Modulation Demodulator Threshold-Extension
Test (B-4)Results
Besides being significantk t e r m s of long-term inter-Center cooperative effort
to resolve an operational problem and in terms of actual impact on coverage of the
lunar missions, the FM demodulator threshold-extension tests were significant in that
they contributed greatly to extension of the state of the art of FM demodulation. The
click eliminator, a new operational demodulator, and other devices tested in various
states of design finalization are distinct advances for which the ESTP is in p a r t
responsible.

Split-Phase PCM Test (B-5) Results

While split-phase usage on real-time telemetry was never approved, the empha-
sis placed on this effort and the c r i t i c a l r e a s o n f o r it caused a greater awareness of the
telemetry loading problems and a greater concern for proper distribution of data inputs.

Extravehicular Communications SystemlUSB System

Design Verification Test (B-6)Results
The EVCS/USB design verification tests were significant in that the EVCS equip-
ment and the LM SPA were new designs based on previous ESTP tests and were, in
p a r t , tunable (or variable) units such that parameters could be varied to optimize the
system performance. The tests w e r e a continuation of earlier efforts and were de-
signed to prove the correction of earlier difficulties. (Also see r e s u l t s of A-8 tests. )

Apollo 9 Mission Configuration Voice

Demonstration (B-7) Results
The participation of prime and backup flight crews in the Apollo 9 voice demon-
stration test points out the excellent crew-familiarization capability of the ESTL. The
complexity of selecting communications modes and the quality and condition of the
modes selected can be accurately demonstrated to the crews without expensive,
schedule-disrupting use of the flight vehicle and ground-support equipment, which can-
not in any event fully simulate all the conditions expected during a mission.

Apollo 8 Mission Test (B-8) Results

The Apollo 8 mission tests illustrated the rapid-response capability and the flex-
ibility of the ESTP to support mission planning and special requirements. Proposed
backup and operational concepts can be checked out under specific mission conditions
and evaluated as to the effectiveness o r usefulness of techniques.

50
 Lunar Module Color TV Test (B-9) Results
The extensive, and often hectic, series of tests of the LM color TV provided
management with quantitative and timely information enzbling the decision to include
color TV on the LM f o r Apollo 12. All possible contingencies were tested andall
doubts and objections overcome by the thorough evaluation of the color TV signal ef-
f e c t s on the LM down-link FM communications channel.

Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package

Command Anomaly Test (B-10) Results
The ALSEP command anomaly tests illustrate the prelaunch support capabilityof
the ESTP as well as the capability for combining corresponding experimental and ana-
lytical information to verify theory and to duplicate actual mission anomaly conditions.
The test results explained the causes of the problem and pointed out possible dangers
to astronauts during the deployment phase of the ALSEP operation.

ApoIlo Lunar Scientific Data SystemIMSFN Design

Verification Test (B-11) Results
The Apollo lunar scientific data system/ MSFN design verification tests illustrate
the applicability of the ESTP to all design changes and modifications occurring in
manned spacecraft communications systems. The continued usefulness of this program
is shown in the early evaluation of the spacecraft 113 configuration and the resulting
design changes being made as a d i r e c t r e s u l t of t h e s e t e s t s .

Support Test (C-1 to C-21) Results

Many of the support tests resolved small problems that kept reoccurringo r that
appeared as the result of m a j o r t e s t s and major special tests, illustrating the conti-
nuity of the test program. Other tests show the flexibility of the program to support
non-test-related activities. Still others show the extent of usefulness of the program
t o areas outside of MSC. Support tests detected problems (MSFTP-1 improper lock),
resolved operational problems (Apollo 4 CDDT and Apollo 7 prelaunch testing), assisted
in design or verification of design of new systems (AAP TV and LM UDL), supported
network configuration and verification (UDB E1 installation, extravehicular astronaut/
LM/MSFN/MCC-H voice demonstration, and MCC-H EVCS EKG display performance),
developed test techniques (simulated voice spectrum), and (in general) provided wide
support to the Apollo Program. These tests, in conjunction with the major test series,
served to make theACS the most thoroughly understood and predictable communications
system in existence. Many of the details normally not r e a c h e d i n o v e r a l l s y s t e m s t e s t s
were covered in the lesser tests. As a result, these tests served to fulfillthe conti-
nuity of the overall ESTP.

51
 PLANS

Immediate plans for the ESTP concentrate on evaluating new communications

links (e. g. , lunar communications relay unit) and modifications to old communications
links (e. g. , Apollo lunar scientific data system) to be used on forthcoming Apollo mis-
sions. Also, an effort is underway to clear up a backlog of test requests by referencing
p r i o r r e s u l t s if applicable, by conducting tests where the r e s u l t s are not available, o r
by closing the requests that are no longer required.

While these activities are expected to consume the major portion of available test
time for the remainder of calendar year 1970 (and perhaps beyond, depending on devel-
opments of the Apollo Program), a serious effort is underway to evaluate the experi-
ences and the operations of the ESTP during the past 6 y e a r s . In particular, during the
ACS phase 111 t e s t s , a concurrent study has been in process to compare measured and
predicted data by using probability and statistical techniques to try to understand in de-
tail the effects of various instrument inaccuracies and human errors on the end results
of the tests. On a limited basis, this had been done very early in the test program but
only t o the extent necessary to assure the test personnel that nothing was grossly wrong
with the test configurations and that reasonable caution in test setupwould assure mean-
ingful results. This study is also envisioned as the basis f o r a much more extensive
review of test techniques, performance criteria, and specification criteria.

Briefly, an indepth study effort is planned to optimize the performance criteria

used in communications specifications such that the specifications called out can be ac-
curately, quickly, and unambiguously measured in the laboratory. Many'test results,
especially from the earlier tests, led to difficulty either in interpreting the results or
in implementing changes to hardware. These difficulties were concerned, in part, with
the poor agreement, in some areas, between predicted and measured values. Also, the
definitions of terminology and of "equivalent" signals for use in tests of various infor-
mation channels, especially the voice channels, were often a cause for confusion and
disagreement between agencies o r between contractors ( o r both). Much work has been
done (see description of support tests C- 1 to C-21) to improve this situation, but sev-
eral areas that need study still remain. Also, the current manual techniques used in
the ESTL require, as a " r u l e of thumb, '' 4 hours of analysis and reporting f o r every
hour of test. This imbalance is caused by the time required for collection of data, for
formatting and plotting, and for evaluation and reporting on the t e s t r e s u l t s - each of
which, except the reporting, is very amenable to automation. An optimum situation,
and one that should be achievable by automation, would be 1 hour of reporting for 1 hour
of testing. This concept, if all testing were organized accordingly, could be applied to
future communications systems testing, design simulation, and mission support. In the
ultimate concept, a complete communications systems mission profile could be per-,
formed in the laboratory prior to each mission with very little perturbation to other test
requirements. Each step of automation would, however, require evaluation of practical
achievement as a function of utilization and cost.

Communications systems for planned and proposed manned space-flight programs

indicate a significant increase in complexity and capacity over previous programs.
While the nature of the communicated data will not change significantly, the methods of
formulating and processing the information will vary considerably as will the quantity
of the information communicated. The impact is that hardware and performance

52
specifications become more complex, which in turn increases the complexity of the
testing required to verify the hardware against requirements. Meanwhile, as discussed
previously, the existing specification criteria, such as WI and BER as a function of
signal-to-noise ratio, and so forth, are inadequate to fully define system performance.
Also, the test methods available remain limited to one channelat a time, one signal-
to-noise ratio at a time, and so forth, with all other variables held constant (a very
time-consuming method). An effort to improve the performance criteria as well as the
techniques for measuring the p a r a m e t e r s a s s o c i a t e d with these criteria will beof g r e a t
value to all future communications systems in that an accurate and rapid determination
of requirements and actual performance could be achieved early in the development
phases of t h e s e s y s t e m s , at a minimum cost in time and dollars.

A long-range (1-1/ 2 year) effort to improve both the communications systems

performance criteria and the test techniques to verify these criteria is planned. Spe-
cifically, a study and development effort consisting of four discrete phases, including
a demonstration of results, is planned to achieve needed improvements in specification
and test techniques.

The first phase of the effort will be a study directed toward the refinement or
development (or both) of communications systems performance criteria that are both
significant and reasonable. Samples of ACS performance criteria; of basic require-
ments for future communications systems; of test plans, procedures, data packages,
and reports; and of ESTL accuracy study reports now in preparation will be used.
Communications and measurement theory will be applied, and measurement technique
developments, including availability of new instruments, will be investigated to arrive
a t a s e t of realistic communications systems criteria coveringall phases of telecom-
munications systems performance that can easily, accurately, and economically be
measured in the ESTL and associated laboratories.

The second phase of the effort will be a study making use of the phase I r e s u l t s
to develop a plan for upgrading the ESTL to accurately measure the performance cri-
t e r i a p a r a m e t e r s d e t e r m i n e d f r o m p h a s e I. This plan will include alternate methods
of automating the testing wherever practicable by making use of limited programable
devices, including any existing o r adaptable equipment available at the time. New
measurement hardware development may be indicated. The study will also include
evaluation of the approach of using a "universal breadboard'' communications system,
comprised of commercially available hardware and existing spacecraft hardware, for
the purpose of concept and design verification testing of advanced communications sys-
tems prior to availability of flight breadboards. If the evaluation is favorable, compo-
nents to assemble such a breadboard, based on minimum new buys for each new s y s t e m
proposed, will be recommended.

The third phase of the effort will be dependent on the results of phases I and I1
and will be concerned with implementing the results of phase II.
This phase will con-
sist of an in-house effort to assemble and integrate existing equipment and commer-
cially available hardware according to the resultsof phase I and the plan developed in
phase II. Development of new instruments, if any, recommended by phase I1 r e s u l t s
will be contracted out and integrated into the appropriate laboratories as an in-house
effort. A final phase, to demonstrate on a s y s t e m s basis the results of phases I, 11,
and I€I, will complete this effort.

53
 5

In summary, the ultimate end product of the effort is the ability to make the best
measurements as easily, quickly, and economically as possible with concurrent accu-
racy and repeatability. Phases' I and II will have comprehensive study reports as prod-
ucts. Phase I11 will have as its end product a test laboratory equipped to implement the
r e s u l t s of this effort. Phase IV will work out imperfections and prove the concepts de-
veloped. Figure 7 shows a preliminary schedule for the planned effort.

Barring successful completion of

the planned effort described previously,
Mar 1970 July 1970 Nov 1970 May 1971 Aug 1971 theESTPand its associatedlaboratories
Phase1 I Study 14 months
can still provide a useful and critical func-
Phase U I Study 1 4 months
tion in support of future programs. The
Phase IJ I Implementation 1 7 months goal of the study is to find a way to provide
Phase I9 1 m n o n s t r a t i o nI d m o n t h s this function with the best results possible
at the lowest long-term cost. Hardware
F i g u r e 7. - Performance criteria study and costs are dependent on the results of
test automation schedule (preliminary). phases I and II (as discussed earlier) and,
a s i d e f r o m regular in-house operating
costs, will be dependent on the quantity
and type of new items to be developed and procured. Phase IV c o s t s are expected to be
funded from normal ESTL operating budgets, and additional funds should not be required
for this effort.

CONCLUD I NG REMARKS

The Electronic Systems Test Program has contributed significantly to the devel-
opment, implementation, and operation of the Apollo communications system. In addi-
tion to the achievement of a high confidence level in systems performance prior to the
first manned lunar landing, the test program has effected many cost savings in that
early detection of problems requiring hardware changes, including determination of the
scope of these changes and the optimum point in the system to effect them, has been
achieved and verified. A unique but flexible test concept and capability has been devel-
oped where none existed previously. Test techniques and methods have been derived
and implemented. Improvements in these concepts and techniques, based on experience
with the Apollo P r o g r a m , are now being investigated. The Electronic Systems Test
Program concept, along with the associated facilities, personnel, and techniques, is
considered a success. This program stands ready to support the remaining Apollo
Program missions as required and can easily adapt to the supportof future space-flight
programs, manned or unmanned.

Manned Spacecraft Center

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Houston,Texas,June 22, 1971
914-13-00-00-72

54
 APPENDIX A
TEST PROGRAM OPERATIONS

The procedure and the sequence of operations for test p r o g r a m s and clarification
of areas of support generally required to accomplish test objectives are briefly dis-
cussed herein.

Figure A-1 is a flow diagram of

program operation, from test plan review r"""""""~"""""""-'
to completion of the final report. The
operations of major events shown in fig-
u r e A-1 a r e s u m m a r i z e d i n the following
I
I
I
I
I
fl
Li"l!I
procedures

I!
I
I

I
paragraphs. I'
I Testplan
Channel I
"
I
II final review test
gredictions meeting
I
I
I
I' I

TEST PLAN REVIEW Equipment

Test
I
I
direction test

""""""""""

2=""""- 1
usuallyheld at MSC. Participants in this 1 ! ,
review are representatives of MSC, ap-
propriaterepresentatives of otheragen- I
I-H H I
I ,
II Final reporl su: ; ; ; ;

ties, and appropriate contractor personnel. IL""""""""-"""""""~

"
Systems
performance
reports)
(reviews
and
;;Eerckage
I

I
The purposes of this review are to discuss
in detail the planned tests and to ensure Figure A-1. - Test program operations
that all the test requirements necessary to flow chart.
achieve the primary objectives of the test
program are adequately identified in the
test plan.

TEST PROCEDURES

The formal test procedures are provided by TCSD through an MSC laboratory-
contractor effort. Test procedures can be modified at any time during the test program;
however, all changes in the scope of the testing must be approved by the MSC Test
Director.

TEST PRED ICTI ONS

Channel performance predictions are provided by TCSD. The test predictions are
based on measured systems parameters, except in cases w h e r e m e a s u r e d p a r a m e t e r s
are not available. Specified parameters will be used in these cases.

55
 Ill 1111 I1111111

TEST OPERATIONS

The test operation requires participation of TCSD and appropriate MSC laboratory
and manufacturing contractor personnel. Manufacturing contractor participation con-
sists of the following:
1. Systems engineer (provide quick response to contractor management for prob-
lem resolution and quick response from contractor engineering relative to design and
test changes)
2. Test engineer (participate in detailed test planning and conduction)

3. Other support as required during critical test phases

During the test program, a coordination meeting is held at the ESCF at 8:45 a.m.
each working day. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the test results of the
previous day, tests planned for the current day, test procedure modifications, and any
problems associated with the test program operation.

DATA PACKAGEREVIEW

Approximately 10 working days after completion of the tests, the laboratory con-
tractor provides, at a review meeting, copies of all raw and reduced data along with an
updated test procedure.

TEST STATUS REV1EW

Approximately 10 working days after completion of the data package review, a

test status report is prepared by MSC/TCSD. Selected material from the test status
r e p o r t is formally presented at a review meeting.

INTER I M TEST REPORT

Interim test reports covering all t e s t r e s u l t s are prepared by the laboratory con-
tractor and submitted to TCSD. These documents are given limited distribution approx-
imately 30 working days after completion of the test program.

FINAL TEST REPORT

The final test report, covering all test r e s u l t s , is prepared by MSC/TCSD. This
document usually is distributed 45 working days after the test status review.

56
 APPENDIX B
TELEMETRY AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS DIVISION,
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND TEST BRANCH LABORATORY,
ESTP SUPPORT CAPABILITY

The following is a brief summary of the laboratory capability available from the
ESTP.

1. Electronic Systems Test Laboratory

a. Capability: The ESTL is capable of spacecraft-ground tracking and data-

acquisition systems compatibility and performance evaluation testing. This is primarily
USB with (dual extravehicular astronaut) vhf capability. Spacecraft equipment is iso-
lated in shielded enclosures. Static and dynamic rf-path simulation is provided, as
is PCM and PAM telemetry, upvoice and downvoice, updata, ranging, and TV channel
evaluation capability. Table B-I lists the major equipment (except spacecraft) available
in the ESTL.

TABLE B-I. - ESTL GROUND EQUIPMENT

PCM simulator Dynatronics Similar to equipment on

Apollo MSFN stations
PCM decommutator MSFTP- 2 Similar to equipment on
Apollo MSFN stations
PCM decommutator MSFTP- 1 Similar to equipment on
Apollo MSFN stations
Telemetry output buffer TOB Similar to equipment on
Apollo MSFN stations

Wideband tape recorder VR-3600 Similar to equipment on

Apollo MSFN stations
Wideband tape recorder VR- 3600 Similar to equipment on
Apollo MSFN stations
Radio-frequency path rf path
simulator
Down-range up-link unit DRUL
. . . . "
~~ ______
. ..

57
 TABLE B-I. - ESTL GROUND EQUIPMENT - Continued

__-
Equipment Designation Remarks

Central control and display CCDC

console
Remote-site simulator RSSC (located in
console CCDC)
Time standard Mercury time
standard
Apollo time conditioner ATC

Chart recorder Brush

Chart recorder Techni-rite
Datagraph CEC
Time converter and displays Time converters
(located in RSSC)

On-site processor system 1218

Apollo on-site processor 642B (modified) Similar to equipment on
system Apollo MSFN stations
Computer address matrix CAM (located in
RSSC)
Apollo computer address ACAM (located in
matrix RSSC)

Command distribution rack CDR

Upda ta buffer UD B Similar to equipment on
Apollo MSFN stations
Tracking data processor TD P
Comparison system Comparator

Lntercomn~unications system Intercom

Spacecraft system test
console
Unified S-band RER s y s t e m
Signal data demodulators and
subcarrier oscillators
SSTC
USB/RER Similar to equipment on
Apollo MSFN stations
SDD,/SCO Similar to equipment on
Apollo MSFN stations

Verification receiver VR Similar to equipment on

Apollo MSFN stations
TV monitors TV Mon Similar to equipment on
Apollo MSFN stations
Audio support equipment ASE (located in
comparator)
Test director console TDC
~

58
 TABLE B-I. - ESTL GROUND EQUIPMENT - Concluded

I
I"-~~-
Equipment Designation
~-
Remarks

Card processor 1004

Keypunch Keypunch
Shielded enclosures (3) Shielded enclosures
Antenna control console ACC

Mission profile simulator MPS

converter PAM/PCM conv. PAM- to- PCM to equipment on
Similar
Apollo MSFN stations
Analog-multiplexer- AMQ Similar to equipment on
quantizer Apollo MSFN stations

b. Status:TheESTLisopera-
ESCL TEST REPIJEST
............
tional.

c.SupportRequests:TheESCL
Test Request (MSC F o r m 745, dated
April 1971) is used to request support.
See figure B- 1.

2. Audio TechniquesandEvaluation
Laboratory
...........
a. Capability:
7-he
laboratory
is capable of analysis of voice tapes -.....,
......................................
(speech- to-noise ratio? spectrum), limited
tape dubbing, preparation of audio tapes,
audio tape library, and testing/analysiF
of audio circuits/components/systems.
This includes the capability of discrimina-
.......................................................................................
tion of Apollo USB voice subcarriers and
limited TV testing/analysis capability. .......................................................
.,IY<,I

A c c e s s to ESTL and to the remotely lo-

cated TV scan converter by way of build-
ing interlaboratory signal distribution .............
I*ll.L1I,
1
............
system exists. .................. /.x .,,, ,,o. I. e,.,
, .Clll. DOIl.l.l
.".,,.
0.8,

b. Status:Thelaboratory is
qerational.

Figure B- 1. - F o r m for requesting ESTL

test support.

59
 c. Support Requests: The ESCL Test Request (fig. B-1) is used to request
support.

3. CommunicationsSystemsEngineeringLaboratory

a. Capability: Capability of the laboratory includes analysis of flight PCM

telemetry, analysis of UDL performance, and special ACS problem resolution. Access
t o ESTL by way of the building interlaboratory signal distribution system exists.

b.Status:Thelaboratory is operational.

c. Support Requests: The ESCL Test Request (fig. B-1) is used to request
support .

60 NASA-Langley, 1972 -3 1 S-283